Each year, more than 36,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of oral cancer. As is true for all cancers, certain risk factors can make you more likely to develop oral cancer. However, having one or many risk factors does not mean you will get oral cancer. And many people with no risk factor are diagnosed with the disease.
Known Risk Factors
Tobacco. Approximately 90 percent of oral cancers are attributed to the use of smoked and smokeless tobacco. These include cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, parts of the nose, and larynx. Those who chew tobacco are at high risk for gum and cheek lesions that can lead to cancer. If you use tobacco, quit.
Alcohol. Drinkers are six times more likely to get oral cancer than are non-drinkers. Combinations of tobacco and alcohol are believed to substantially increase the risk over that of either substance alone. Limit your consumption of alcohol, if you drink at all.
Poor Nutrition. Some research suggests that the risk of oral cancer can be reduced by a diet high in fruits in vegetables. A deficiency in vitamin A is associated with a higher incidence of oral cancer. Follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ChooseMyPlate food guide for a healthful diet.
Ultraviolet Light. More than a third of patients with cancer of the lips have had prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Always use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid being outdoors in the middle of the day.
Age. Ninety-five percent of oral cancers occur in people older than 40. Half of all oral cancers are in people older than 65.
Gender. Men are twice as likely to get oral cancer than are women. This could be because more men than women use tobacco and alcohol.
Viral infections. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) make up about 80 related viruses. Some HPVs cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, and penis. They also appear to be associated with certain oral cancers.
Immune system deficiencies. People taking immunosuppressive drugs appear to be at increased risk for oral cancers.
Look for the Symptoms
Most early signs of oral cancer are painless and difficult to detect without a thorough head and neck examination by a dentist or other healthcare professional. Exams of the entire mouth and throat are recommended as part of your routine dental or medical exams, especially if you have a risk factor for oral cancer.
In addition, many health professionals recommend monthly self-examination of your lips, gums, tonsils, tongue, mouth lining (including the roof of your mouth), and throat. Stand in front of a mirror and check for any of these symptoms:
- A mouth sore that does not heal, or that bleeds easily
- Soreness or numbness in your mouth, tongue, or throat that doesn't go away
- A white or red patch in your mouth that doesn't go away
- A lump, thickening, or swelling in your mouth, throat, cheek, or tongue
- A loosening of your teeth, or a change in the way they fit together
Other symptoms that could signal problems include:
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- A persistent feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Voice changes
- Weight loss
Even though these signs could be caused by a number of conditions (many of them benign), it's important to contact your dentist or healthcare professional immediately if any of these symptoms persist more than two weeks. Early detection is the key to effectively treating oral cancer. |
