Oral Cancer Awareness: Know the Signs, Risks and Prevention Strategies
Oral cancer is a serious health issue that often gets overlooked. Being aware of its signs, risk factors and prevention strategies is crucial for early detection and successful treatment. At CDC Dental, we want to raise awareness about oral cancer and empower people to take proactive steps to safeguard their oral health.
About Oral Cancer
Oral cancer develops in the mouth or throat, affecting areas like the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate, sinuses and throat. Recognising the different locations where it can occur is important, highlighting the need for comprehensive screening.
What Are the Risk Factors?
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and smokeless tobacco products drastically increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use is another major risk factor for oral cancer.
- HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been linked to an elevated risk of oral cancer.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure without protection can increase the risk of lip cancer.
Persistent mouth sores, lumps, white or red patches, difficulty swallowing and unexplained bleeding are common signs of oral cancer. Recognising these symptoms is critical for early detection and timely intervention.
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, seeking medical advice is crucial. Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Routine dental exams play a vital role in early detection. Our dental practice emphasises comprehensive oral health checks, including thorough assessments for signs and symptoms of oral cancer.
Self-Examinations
Performing self-examinations is important in early detection. Our team can provide guidance on conducting these examinations and encourage regular oral health monitoring.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Giving up tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding prolonged sun protection and eating a nutritious diet can help reduce the risk of oral cancer. Making informed lifestyle choices is key to prevention.
Schedule a Screening Today
Take charge of your oral health by scheduling a comprehensive oral cancer screening at CDC Dental with one of our experienced oral health therapists.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
