Early diagnosis is the key to a longer, healthier life.
Mouth Cancer
Mouth Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and affects parts of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. Most often, the symptoms begin as white or red patches in the mouth or painless ulcers that don’t heal normally.
Whilst most cases of Mouth Cancer are found in men and women above 50, the disease is not restricted by age and can affect anybody. It is twice as common in men than in women, though an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease. However, early detection can reduce mortality rates by almost half. In fact, the cancer is highly dependent on it – perhaps even more than many other forms of cancer.
Mouth Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and affects parts of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. Whilst most cases are found in men and women above 50, the disease is not restricted by age and can affect anybody. It is twice as common in men than in women, though an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease.
With early diagnosis, a complete cure for Mouth Cancer is often possible in up to 90% of cases, using surgery alone.
— mouthcancer.org
Lifestyle and risk factors
Unlike many other types of cancer, Mouth Cancer statistics are predicted to increase in the future. Many cases are linked to lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, alcohol consumption and smoking or chewing tobacco. Other risk factors include transmission through the human Papillomavirus during oral sex and second-hand smoking.
Apart from the physical toll the disease takes on the patient, Mouth Cancer also impacts life on an emotional and psychological level, with difficulties in regular mouth functions leading to deficiencies, depression, communication issues, low self-esteem and social isolation. That’s why, prevention through regular check-ups is even more important; the chances of survival are 9 out 10, so that you won’t have to go through the ordeal of the disease in any form.
Prevention through regular check-ups and positive lifestyle choices are important.
What are the signs of
Mouth Cancer?
Since Mouth Cancer can occur in a number of places, Including the lips, cheeks, gums and throat, and can be almost invisible in its nascent stage, it could be easily ignored. Here are three signs you can catch on to through self-examination.
It is important to visit your dentist or doctor if these areas do not heal within three weeks, because the signs can often be spotted by our dental team during a mouth examination. It is recommended to book an appointment for regular screenings and checks for the disease. The risk of the cancer can also be reduced by making small and easy alterations to lifestyle and diet choices, like limiting alcohol consumption, eating a low meat, low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables, choosing sexual partners carefully and cutting down on smoking or chewing tobacco.
How Geans Dental can help
All our dentists and hygienists are well-trained to perform Mouth Cancer screening for you, as a part of your routine examinations.
If we find something, though, it does not necessarily mean that you have Mouth Cancer. We are only checking for something that we feel needs further investigation.
Should we find a small lump/ulcer/white patch that you say has been present in and around the mouth or neck area for more than 3 weeks, we may refer you to a hospital. They will be better-equipped to perform the necessary tests and diagnosis.
All our dentists and hygienists are well-trained to perform Mouth Cancer screening for you as a part of your routine examinations. Should we find a small lump/ulcer/white patch that you say has been present in and around the mouth or neck area for more than 3 weeks, we may refer you to a hospital. They will be better- equipped to perform the necessary tests and diagnosis.
