There are many forms of cancer that exist in society today, but not much attention is always paid to oral cancer. It is not something most people consider as many seem to take for granted the overall health and care of their mouths and the regular hygiene they perform. The fact is that oral cancer is a very real problem in the world today that causes many deaths and it is imminently treatable if detected early one. Here are five facts you need to know about oral cancer that can help you to have a better understanding of what it is and how you can help prevent problems from developing.
1. Oral cancer has a high death rate – The biggest problem that exists among oral cancer is that many people are unaware that they are even having a problem or that they may have it. This is because many do not visit the dentist regularly or take good care of their mouth and teeth. Oral cancer is typically detected in people over the age of forty, though more younger people are being diagnosed these days because technology and awareness is better. Over 8,000 Americans a year die from oral cancer and of the over 40,000 diagnosed each year with it, less than half survive more than five years. The high death rate is mainly attributed to the fact that it is often not diagnosed until late stages of development, making treatment less effective.
2. Oral cancer has several risk factors – There are many factors that can put you at risk for developing oral cancer. Tobacco use and alcohol use are right at the top of the list when it comes to risk factors. If you smoke or have high alcohol consumption your risks for developing oral cancer are significantly increased. The Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is also a known cause of oral cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and while only a very small percentage of people who get the virus develop oral cancer, it is still a possibility, making it important that you take good care of your oral health to get checked.
3. Oral cancer goes unnoticed – The biggest problem with oral cancer is that so often it goes unnoticed by someone who may have it. It is very often painless and does not really alter your appearance or show any physical signs that are easily detectable by most people. Any time that you experience any types of sores or warts in your mouth that lasts more than fourteen days, or a lump in your mouth or neck or pain when you swallow, speak or chew, it is best to get yourself looked at by a professional to see if there are any problems going on.
4. Oral cancer is treatable with early detection – When oral cancer is detected early on, it is very treatable. Many people do not have the cancer detected until it is in its late stages, making treatment ineffective for many, but if you have been detected early, a variety of treatments are often used in conjunction with one another to successfully fight the cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery are the most common approaches for treatment.
5. Prevention plays a big part – One of the best things you can do for yourself, besides not smoking and drinking, is to take good, regular care of your teeth and gums with proper oral hygiene. You also need to visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups. As part of a regular check-up, whether you know it or not, your dentist performs a routine oral cancer evaluation to check for any abnormalities. Visiting you dentist can help you detect any problems early on so you can get proper testing and treatment right away to help address the issue and keep you free from oral cancer.
This Article is produced by Dr. Ashlea Drakeford, A premier Dentist in Dallas and a proud mother of 7 year old twin boys.
