Early detection is the key to saving lives

Mouth Cancer Awareness Month 2011 highlights the fact that we need to take action to reduce the incidence and mortality of mouth cancer. The British Dental Health Foundation estimate that there will be at least 6,000 people diagnosed with mouth cancer this year and at the current rate of growth, incidence of mouth cancer will have doubled within a single generation.

The groups of people at risk of mouth cancer are also diverse. The disease is not just limited to older people who smoke or have drunk alcohol over many years. Younger people face an increasing threat from lifestyle choices including poor diets, alcohol abuse and exposure to HPV.

Whatever the background of the person contracting the disease, early detection is crucial to survival. The chance of survival can be increased to 90% through early detection.

The purpose of Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the early symptoms and the main risk factors to the public.

The risk factors associated with mouth cancer include:

Smoking – Smoking is still considered the leading cause of mouth cancer, it helps to transform saliva into a deadly cocktail that damages cells in the mouth that can turn them cancerous.

Alcohol – Drinking to excess can increase mouth cancer risks by four times. As alcohol aids the absorption of tobacco into the mouth, those who smoke and drink to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop the disease.

Poor diet – Around a third of cases are thought to be linked to an unhealthy diet. It is recommended that people eat a health, balanced diet, including five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Increasing evidence also suggests that Omega 3 found in foods such as eggs and fish can help lower risks, as can foods high in fibre such as nuts, seeds, whole-wheat pasta and brown rice.

Chewing of smokeless tobacco – Although some people believe this type of tobacco is safer that smoking, the reality is that it is much more dangerous.

Human Papillima Virus (HPV) – The Human Papilloma Virus is increasingly being linked to mouth cancer and experts say that it may rival tobacco and alcohol as a key risk factor within 10 years.

At Queensway each time that you come for a check-up you are given an oral examination to check for signs of mouth cancer. If you would like to book a free private assessment call 01642 554667.

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