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Today, oral
cancer is still a major health issue. Today, oral cancer is the
6th most common cancer, affecting the lips, tongue, soft palate
and cheeks. In Australia, when statistics for all types of oral
cancer are combined, they result in more deaths each year than for
cervical cancer. For early detection of oral cancer there is a 70
per cent five year survival rate, compared to just 30 per cent if
the cancer has spread. As with other forms of cancer, early detection
and treatment of cancerous tissues is of paramount importance to
increase survival chances. Oral cancer lesions can be particularly
rampant. Two thirds of all those diagnosed with oral cancer are
men.
From oral
signs of childhood diseases such as some forms of leukemia, to oral
cancers seen more in the elderly, your dentist has been trained
to detect oral (and even facial) cancer lesions at all stages of
development. Each time you visit with your dentist for a dental
check-up, an oral cancer screening is performed. You are usually
not aware that this is being done. Therefore, regular dental visits
are crucial as part of your regular health maintenance programme.
Wearing dentures does not preclude you from the need for regular
oral health checks. In fact, if you are an older patient, you are
even more at risk of developing oral cancer.
You can take
an active role in detecting early signs of oral cancer by checking
your own oral tissues periodically. Take a few minutes to examine
your lips, gums, cheek lining and tongue, as well as the floor and
roof of your mouth. If you discover any of the following and the
condition persists, contact this office for an examination:
- a colour change in the oral tissues (for example, whitish or
red spots);
- a rough spot, lump, thickening, crust or a small eroded area;
- a sore that bleeds easily or that does not heal;
- bleeding gums (in some cases);
- pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the
lips;
- any difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the
jaw or tongue;
- changes in the voice;
- a change in the way your teeth fit together.
In addition,
you should watch for changes beyond the mouth that could signal
oral cancer:
- drastic weight loss;
- a lump or mass in your neck.
- Avoid the use of any form of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
chewing tobacco), especially coupled with heavy alcohol consumption.
- Avoid prolonged, repeated exposure to the sun,
which may increase the risk of cancer to the lips.
- Studies indicate that diets low in fresh fruits
and vegetables can also increase your overall risk of developing
cancer.
- Other possible risk factors include genetics, liver
function and certain medications.
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