Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Hello April, hello Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

As we share with all of our patients, a good oral hygiene routine is the foundation for good oral health and simultaneously reducing the risk of mouth cancer developing. Although it can often be overlooked or ignored, Oral Cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide, with over 500 new cases of Oral Cancer diagnosed each year in Scotland, and 3,500 new cases per year in the UK.

This month, the Dental industry will be joining forces and helping to raise awareness of Oral Cancer symptoms to give people the best chance of early detection as a means of prevention!

Firstly, let’s explore the risk factors associated with the development of Oral Cancer.

Smoking

Like most cancers and malignant growths, smoking is the number one risk factor associated with the progression of Oral Cancer. Those who smoke, are at almost double the risk of a cancer diagnosis than non-smokers, with two in three mouth cancers linked to smoking in the UK.

Alcohol Consumption

Consuming large volumes of alcohol on a regular basis can also cause an increased risk of any mouth cancer developing. It is crucial for individuals to control their alcohol intake to reduce their risk of all cancers.

Genetics

For individuals with a family history of Oral Cancer, the risk of Oral Cancer developing can be up to 70% higher. It is important for individuals to regularly check for any signs or symptoms of oral cancer and refer to their dentist if they have any concerns.

Symptoms to Look Out For:

Oral Cancer can develop in any area of the mouth including the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, roof, and floor of the mouth. Although it is a relatively common Cancer, the symptoms that present are often ignored. The signs and symptoms of Oral Cancer that should be looked out for include:

• A growth/ lump inside the mouth
• Persistent mouth ulcers that do not go away with time
• A white or red patch on the gums
• Mouth pain
• Ear pain
• Difficulty or severe pain when swallowing

If you start presenting any of the above symptoms and they do not subside within two weeks, you should immediately make an appointment with your dentist who will undertake a thorough examination. At Greenlaw Dental, we perform an Oral Cancer screening at every check-up appointment as standard procedure and to give our patients total peace of mind.