Important Facts About Mouth Cancer

This growing problem can be reduced with appropriate action.

Whilst we may know of either friends or relatives who have suffered from cancer, it is quite likely that few of them will have had mouth, or oral, cancer. Although not as prevalent as some other forms, mouth cancer is becoming increasingly common and should not be ignored. By and large, this particular type of cancer can be avoided with a sensible approach to our health care and a good oral health cleaning regime.

In today’s blog, we look at some of the facts about oral cancer and ways that our Ashby and Burton patients can help to reduce the risk of suffering from this dangerous disease.

The numbers

Around seven thousand people each year, or around eighteen people a day, are diagnosed with mouth cancer. It is widely believed that this figure will continue to rise unless action is taken.

Statistics

Although often considered to be less common than many other forms of cancer, oral cancer is still responsible for more loss of life each year than deaths caused by traffic accidents in the UK. It also claims more lives than testicular and cervical cancers combined.

Survival rates

If oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate is around 90%. If detected later, this can drop to around 50%. This indicates the importance of having regular oral health checks at Alexandra Dental Care so that we can monitor the health of your mouth.

Age is no barrier

Oral cancer can occur at any age and much of it appears to be affected by our lifestyle choices. Some simple changes in our lives can greatly reduce the risk of this type of cancer.

Prevention

One of the most important things that you can do to reduce your risk of oral cancer is to stop smoking straight away. However long you have already been smoking, it is never too late to stop. There are now many aids to help you with this, and, even though the long term effects of vaping are not yet fully known and we cannot advocate its use directly, this practice seems to be one of the more successful ways for people who wish to stop. Better still, quit completely if you can.

Monitoring

Oral cancer has many potential warning signs that can be seen during your regular dental check. These may include unexplained red or white patches in the mouth, sores that don’t heal, loose teeth and tongue pain amongst others. If we notice anything unusual that can’t be easily explained, we will refer you to your GP for further examination. Although this is important, you should also remember that we are not cancer experts and these additional checks are precautionary.

If you have not had a dental check up for some time, why not call your Ashby and Burton dentists, Alexandra Dental Care on 01283 216347 to arrange one now?

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