Mouth Cancer ? a deadly disease ? are you at risk?
The first National Mouth Cancer Awareness Week was launched in November (11-17 November 2001). Mouth cancer (also called oral cancer) is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the lips and tongue. Mouth cancers often appear as a painless mouth ulcer that does not heal normally or, less often, as a red or white patch in the mouth.
Awarness of mouth cancer
Oral cancer is increasing in incidence worldwide although there are marked geographical variations.
Cancer of the mouth and pharynx is the fifth most common form in men and the seventh most common in women. In a recent survey published in the British Dental Journal, a high proportion of those interviewed revealed a complete lack of awareness of oral cancer. Cancer of the mouth is responsible for nearly 3% of all deaths attributable to cancer. There is a 50% survival rate in those cases diagnosed at an early stage. This condition rates in frequency close to cancer of the cervix with nothing like the same public anxiety being expressed.
Whilst the highest public awareness was associated with skin cancer (97%), lung cancer (96%) and cervical cancer (87%) cancer of the mouth had the lowest awareness rating of any cancer at just over 50%.
Factors contributing to mouth cancer
Factors which are commonly associated with cancer of the mouth are smoking and alcohol. It is of particular interest to note that in the French province of Calvados there is a very significant increase in the statistical occurrence of oral cancer. There seems to be little doubt that the local partiality to the fiery apple brandy, combined with the smoking of cigarettes forms a potent threat to the mucous membranes and tissues of the mouth.
Diet has an important role to play in helping to protect against the development of malignant lesions and the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E play an important role. These vitamins help to neutralise the potential threat posed by free radicals. They occur in red yellow and green fruits and vegetables.
People with poor dental health and have sharp broken teeth, infected tissues and experience trauma from ill fitting dentures are also exposed to increased risk.
What you dentist can do to help you?
The dental profession is alert to the threat of mouth cancer and a regular examination of the mouth will reduce the likelihood of an early lesion passing unnoticed.
An innocent, sometimes painless ulcer of the mouth which is present for more than a few days should immediately be seen by a dental surgeon. Simple tests are available which can be carried out speedily to put your mind at rest.
The routine examination procedure is quick, simple, completely painless and requires no injection. The dentist carefully examines the inside of the mouth with the help of a small mirror. Remember, the dentist is able to see parts of the mouth that you cannot see easily yourself. The dentist may also use a special blue mouth rinse which stains any tiny, invisible growth so it can be found more easily.
What you can do to help yourself
Adoption of a healthy lifestyle and regular dental examinations are good preventive measures. You can greatly reduce the risk of mouth cancer if you stop using tobacco (even after many years of use). A healthy diet, rich in fruit and vegetables and low in animal fats helps to prevent all types of cancer.
If you are over 40 and smoke, drink alcohol heavily, use betel quid or chewing tobacco you should be checked for mouth cancer once a year by a dentist.
