How to Prevent Oral Cancer
Oral cancer affects the cheek, lip, tongue, sinuses, pharynx, floor of the mouth, or hard or soft palate. Without early diagnosis and treatment, it is often fatal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, oral cancer most commonly appears as a sore or growth that does not heal. The American Dental Association warns that oral cancer prevention is crucial, as more than 25% of Americans diagnosed with oral cancer will die from the disease.
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Instructions
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Check for signs and symptoms of oral cancer regularly. The most common symptoms include lumps, bumps, sores, or thickenings in or near the mouth, velvety patches in the mouth, unexplained oral bleeding, numbness or pain in the face, mouth, or neck, and hoarseness or other voice changes. Persistent sores, trouble chewing or swallowing, ear pain, weight loss, and a feeling that something is stuck in the throat are other warning signs.
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Pay special attention to the development of any white or red lesions in the mouth. These lesions may indicate pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the mouth, according to the American Dental Association. Prompt removal of these dysplastic cells can prevent oral cancer from developing.
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Stop smoking and using chewing tobacco immediately. According to the American Cancer Society, smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers are, and users of smokeless tobacco are also at an increased risk.
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Decrease your alcohol consumption. Like smoking, excessive drinking has been directly linked to the development of oral cancer, and heavy drinkers are nearly six times more likely to develop cancer of the mouth and throat as nondrinkers.
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Avoid chronic sun exposure. Excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, especially during childhood, increases the risk of oral cancer. Applying sunscreen to your lips before leaving the house can reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
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Ask your doctor to be tested for infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. According to the National Cancer Institute, some studies have shown a heightened risk of oral cancer in those who test positive for HPV.
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Perform an oral self-exam at least once each month. Use a mirror and flashlight to examine your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Also check your throat and beneath your tongue for signs of discoloration, sores, or thickened patches of tissue. Feel your lymph nodes for swelling, and report any suspicious findings to your doctor immediately.
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Get regular screenings for oral cancer during routine medical examinations or dental checkups. Your dentist or doctor may be able to detect early changes and signs of oral cancer, enabling you to start treatment before the cancer fully develops or spreads to surrounding areas. The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone over the age of 20 years be screened for oral cancer at least once every three years.
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Tips & Warnings
Anyone over the age of 40 years or at high risk of oral cancer should receive medical screenings every year.
