Oral cancer is known to be one of the ten most common cancers in the world and has a poor prognosis. This is because it is not usually recognised in the initial stages when it is small. In countries like the United Kingdom and the United States of America, the incidence is in the age group of approximately 55 to 75 years. In contrast, it is observed in the age group of 40 to 45 years in India.
Oral cancer can occur in certain sites of the mouth, most commonly in the lips, tongue, the floor of the mouth and the palate. Symptoms of mouth cancer include loose teeth, a sore on the lips that refuses to heal, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, a change in the speech patterns and numbness and bleeding in the mouth. White or red patches can be observed on the tongue, gums or mouth. The person can experience unexplained weight loss as well.
The cause of mouth cancer is attributed to a number of risk factors. A strong association has been found between tobacco smoking and tobacco chewing. Chronic consumption of alcohol and prior infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) also increase the risk. Other factors like long-term irritation from ill-fitted dentures, mal-aligned teeth, fibrosis of the submucosa due to excessive consumption of chillies, and lack of proper oral hygiene have also been speculated as risk enhancers for mouth cancer. A connection between nutritional deficiencies, exposure to ultraviolet rays and radiation has also been described.
Here’s what you can do to reduce the risk of mouth cancer:
Say no to tobacco: About 90 percent of oral cancers in Southeast Asian countries have been linked to tobacco chewing and smoking. A strong relation has been found between chewed tobacco and precancerous lesions, the preceding state of cancer. It has also been found that cancer is almost always found on the same side where the tobacco quid is kept. The risk is increased if the quid is kept overnight. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid using tobacco in all forms - chewing, smoking, bidi smoking and snuff-ing. Reverse smoking - with the burning end inside the mouth - must also be avoided as it causes the carcinoma of the hard palate.
Avoid infection by the human papillomavirus: Since it is one of the risk factors, it is best to prevent infection by HPV, which may be possible by taking the HPV vaccine, that is easily available. The chances of contracting this infection are higher in people with multiple sexual partners.
Reduce spices in diet: It is advised that you consume less amount of spices and chillies, as they can lead to submucosal fibrosis, which may later result in the development of mouth cancer.
Maintain good oral hygiene: You’ve been told since kindergarten to brush twice daily and floss - this holds true even now. As you age, taking care of your dental and oral hygiene becomes crucial. Inspecting your mouth for any signs of white (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) is essential to identify the lesions and establish whether it is cancerous.
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