Oral Cancer Awareness
Which one of the following cancer possesses the higher mortality rate ( # of deaths in certain population over a certain time); cervical cancer or oral cancer?
ORAL CANCER at Three times the rate of cervical cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular, thyroid and skin just to name a few. This rate has not decreased in 30 years.
Here is a list of some of the known risk factors associated with Oral Cancer:
- Life Style Behaviors: 2/200 on skid row in Vancouver’s East Side have oral cancer due to poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol and drug use.
- HPV: again this is lifestyle Women 9-26 are recommended to get the vaccination to protect them from 5 strains of Human Papilloma Virus.
- AGE: Oral cancer increased over the age of 50. It occurs twice as often in Black males.
- Life Style Choices: smoking and alcohol and drug use contribute through the chemical factors that bombard the oral cavity. This activity is twice as hing in men than women and equal in the population under 40. One in Two will not be alive in 5 years.
- Tobacco Use: 75% of oral cancer is attributed to smoking with 18-24 year olds’ making up for 24% of the smokers. Cigars have a long fermenting process which leads to higher toxins and smokeless tobacco has 10 times the nicotine because it is fermented. It also has 28 cancer causing ingredients in ti 100 times as many as bacon or beer.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: 16-24 are the heaviest drinkers. They are at 38 times the risk of normal population. The ethanol increases the permeability of the oral cavity.
- Ultra Violet Light: Cancer of the lip can be prevented by using sunscreen with UVA/UVB
- Diet: Not eating enough fruits and vegetables robs the body of anti oxidants which damages the DNA which in turn is a pre curser to cancer.
- The list seems to be endless, Obesity cause a high inflammatory response in the body. Using synthetic vitamins and minerals which are not recognized by the body and stored in the fat cells as toxins!
- Pharmaceuticals are right up there with cancer and heart disease as the 3 leading cause of death.
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY there is a 75-90% survival rate if Oral Cancer is found in the early stage.
Oral Cancer Symptoms:
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Oral cancer symptoms can often be the signs of other less serious illnesses, so it is important to consult your doctor or dentist if you are experiencing any of these changes in your oral health.
During your annual dental check-up, your dentist will also screen for oral cancer. Those who use tobacco products may receive a more in-depth screening based on their risk.
1. White and Red Patches in the Mouth or Lips:
A white or red patch (or combination of the two) inside the mouth or the lips are the most commonly experienced symptom of oral cancer. In the early stages, these white and red patches are warnings of abnormal cells, a pre-malignant condition. If left untreated, they can become cancerous.
2. A Sore or Blister in Your Mouth :
A sore or blister in the mouth or on the lip that won’t heal is a symptom of oral cancer. Sores that last longer than 2 weeks warrant a trip to the doctor.
3. Difficulty Swallowing:
This symptom can include difficulty chewing, moving the jaw, speaking, or moving the tongue. This is a non-specific symptom of oral cancer and can be caused by many other conditions. You may feel you have a piece of food caught in the throat that you can’t cough up.
4. Earaches:
Frequent or persistent earaches need to be evaluated by a physician. An earache is usually indicative of an infection. However, in some cases, it can be related to oral cancer. HPV tends to grow in the tonsils with one of the symptoms being an earache.
5. Change in the Way Teeth Fit Together:
This can include dentures not fitting correctly. Oral cancer can also cause loose teeth.
6. Bleeding from the Mouth:
Report any oral bleeding to your dentist and doctor. Bleeding from the mouth can be caused by many things, but it is still a symptom of oral cancer and needs to be checked out.
Sources:
“What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer”. Cancer Topics. National Cancer Society: What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer. 09 Sptember 2004. Accessed 14 July 2008.
In my practice I use the Velscope on my clients 18 and over. It is well accepted and takes all of 4 minutes to complete a full examination of the outside of the head, neck and oral cavity.
Message me if you have any questions
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