Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat and can affect anyone, whether they have their own teeth or not. In the last year 8.700 people have been diagnosed with disease in the UK.
Sadly, more than 2,000 people die from the die every year with many of these deaths being preventable. If the cancer is caught early there is a 90% chance of survival, this however drops to as little as 50% when the cancer is found at a late stage.
Risk Factors
Currently, 91% of mouth cancer diagnoses are linked to lifestyle factors, therefore it is possible to reduce the risks of developing mouth cancer by amending some of our lifestyle choices.
1. Tobacco
The majority of mouth cancer cases continue to be caused by smoking and
tobacco use. Smoking accounts for two in three of all mouth cancer cases. The chemicals in the cigarette all enter the body through the mouth, where they transform the saliva which then damages the cells in the mouth and overtime can turn them cancerous. Research has shown that by quitting you can reduce your risk of mouth cancer by a third. So why not use this Mouth Cancer Action Month as the time to stop!
2. Alcohol
Drinking over your recommended alcohol units on a regular basis is another major risk factor linked with the development of mouth cancer. The occasional glass of wine is not an issue, but a bottle in a night could be. Moderation really is the key!
Smoking and drinking together trebles the risk of developing mouth cancer.
3. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body. HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research
suggests that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer.
Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce your chances of contracting HPV.
4. Chewing and smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is any tobacco product that is placed in the mouth or nose and not burned.Chewing and smokeless tobacco is extremely harmful and can significantly increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed with mouth cancer.
5. Diet
Poor diet has been linked to 30% of all mouth cancer cases. It is important to have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, this will not only help to reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer, it will also help to keep your body fit and
healthy. Mouth cancer risk is lowest in people with diets high in fibre and Omega 3.
6. Family history, genetics, and the immune system
Although we do not know why, there is a slight increase in risk of mouth cancer if you have a close relative diagnosed with the disease.
Mouth cancer can also be more likely for those who carry certain inherited genes. Links have been found for those with genetic conditions affecting the bone marrow, skin, or fingernails.
Signs and Symptoms</strong
There are three main symptoms that should not be ignored:
- Ulcers which do not heal in three weeks
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Unusual lumps of swellings in the mouth, head, or neck area
It is important if you notice any of these that you get them checked out by your dentist as soon as possible. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029and book an appointment today. If in doubt get it checked out!
