It is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and according to the American Cancer Society, 55,540 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer yearly, and 11,580 will die because of their illness. Oral cancer is an umbrella term for all cancers that affect the oral cavity. The oral cavity includes lips, tongue, teeth, gums, inside lining of lips and cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth. Although the risk increases after the age of 45 years old, oral cancer can affect all ages. Other risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, UV exposure, and the HPV virus.
Oral cancer can spread quickly and often goes undetected until it has progressed to the later stages. However, it is important to note that, with early detection, there is an 80% survival rate. April, oral cancer awareness month, is dedicated to raising awareness about oral cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection for successful treatment and reduced mortality rates.
Luckily, there are many steps to increase your chances of early detection. These strategies include regular dental check-ups, understanding the signs and symptoms, good oral hygiene, and monthly self-examinations. In honour of oral cancer awareness month, this article will discuss the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, prevention strategies, and self-examination techniques.
Not everyone will experience all, if any, of these symptoms, should you have any of the following signs on your lips or inside your mouth, including on your tongue, it is important to schedule a visit with your dentist as an abundance of caution.
Firstly, the above symptoms may not always indicate oral cancer and could result from other factors, such as infection or injury. Therefore, you should not panic if you have any or some of these signs. If the issue persists after two weeks, visit your dentist for an evaluation. The moral is not to leave anything to chance, but rather, if you notice any changes in your mouth or throat, play an active role in your oral health and well-being.
There are many steps to actively prevent and lower your chances of developing oral cavity cancer. There is no proven method to avoid oral cancer altogether. But avoiding some of the known causes can, at least, lower your risk.
Healthy habits and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, including regular dental check-ups, to detect any early signs of oral cancer. Taking a proactive approach to your oral health can help prevent oral cancer and ensure that you receive timely treatment if necessary.
Most importantly, you do not have to wait until you see a dentist to check yourself for the tell-tale signs of oral cavity cancer. Like monthly breast exams, you can also check your mouth for symptoms, and all you need is a mirror, a small handheld mirror, and a flashlight. You will be screening for any bumps, lumps, or unusual irregularities or changes in texture or colour.
In a well-lit room, in front of a mirror, stick out your tongue as far as possible. Examine the top, sides, and bottom for white or red patches, bumps, and lumps that should not be there.
In the same position in front of the mirror, check the outside and inside of your lips and your cheeks on both sides for the same irregular patches, bumps, or lumps.
Check that your gums are a healthy colour and texture, with no visible irregularities. They should look pink and feel firm to the touch.
Next, check the roof and floor of the mouth for anything out of the ordinary. Use a flashlight and a small mirror to reach all areas of the mouth. Be sure to use clean fingers to feel for any bumps or lumps.
Open your mouth as wide as possible and sign a light inside. Examine your tonsils for symmetry and any unusual colour, lumps, or bumps.
Check the lymph nodes down the sides of your neck from your ear to your collarbone for swelling. Swollen lymph nodes can signal many things, from cancer to minor infections.A self-exam is not a substitute for regular dental check-ups or professional oral cancer screenings. Your dentist or healthcare provider can perform a more thorough exam and may recommend further testing or treatment if necessary. However, performing regular self-exams and seeking professional care when necessary can help ensure early detection and improve the chances of successful treatment if oral cancer is present. The goal is to catch lesions while they are still precancerous or in the early stages. At this early stage, oral cavity cancer is most easily surgically removed or cured via treatment.
Oral cancer is serious, but early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and reduce the mortality rate. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, adopting prevention strategies, and performing regular self-examinations, you can play an active role in detecting the disease at an early stage. See a healthcare professional immediately if you notice any unusual changes in your mouth or experience persistent symptoms.
At Frontier Dental, we recognize the importance of education and oral cancer awareness and have taken active steps to inform our employees about the risks and steps to protect themselves. This April, during oral cancer awareness month, we want to highlight the success and importance of monthly self-exams for taking an active role in your oral health and early detection.
Overall, April helps remind us that we should play an active role in our oral health, with simple steps like brushing our teeth and big steps like oral cancer screening.