Fighting Oral Can cer With Early Detection (NAPSA)—Most people know use tobacco products, you may also want to discuss visiting a specialist who can examine your pharynx.” people are unaware that they can oral cancer, per the National Insti- they can screen themselves at home by performing self-breast exams or checking moles for abnormalities. However, many Other signs and symptomsof tute of Dental and Craniofacial also examine themselves for oral cancer. As oral cancer is most treatable if detected early, it is important for people to have regu- lar dental visits and to learn how to do self-exams. Whatis oral cancer? Oral cancer is any cancerof the mouth or pharynx, a part of the throat. According to National Cancer Institute estimates, approximately 34,000 Americans will have been diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in 2007. “Awareness of signs and symptoms of oral cancer is essential, because if caught early, there is a much greater likelihood of sur- vival,” says Michael Kahn, DDS, professor of oral pathology at Tufts University School of Dental Medi- Photo courtesy of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Many people are unaware that they can examine themselvesfor oral cancer. cer, especially when used in com- bination with tobacco. Sunlight: Excessive sun exposure increasestherisk oflip cancer. Human papillomavirus: The same kind that can cause cervical cancer in women has been found to cause some oral cancers in both men and women. Screening for oral cancer No matter your potential risk, Dr. Kahn strongly recommends cine in Boston. “Self-screening for checking for suspicious areas in your mouth about once a month. Risk factors for oral cancer “Although risk is greater for tongue. Examine for any white oral cancer is quick and easy, and can potentially save yourlife.” those who use tobacco products, it is a misconception that others are not at risk,” says Dr. Kahn. Besides use of tobacco in any form, other risk factors for oral cancer include: Gender: Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. Age: Oral cancer most often develops after age 40. Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol use increases risk of oral can- “Use a mirror to look inside your mouth, including the roof, cheeks, lips, gums and under the or red spot that stands out from the normal color of your mouth. Even if the spot is painless, consult your dentist promptly if it doesn’t go away within a weekor two. “It is also important to sched- ule semiannual visits with your dentist, as they are trained to look for oral cancer,” says Dr. Kahn. “At these visits, talk with your dentist about inspecting your mouth for suspicious areas. If you Research, may include: e A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip or throat; A feeling that somethingis caught in your throat; Difficulty chewing or swal- lowing or moving your jaw or tongue; Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth; Swelling of your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable; Pain in one ear without hearing loss. What can I do to prevent oral cancer? “About 75 percent of cases of oral cancer are preventable,” says Dr. Kahn. “The best prevention is to avoid tobacco products and, if you currently use them, stop as soon as possible.” Other methods of prevention include: Making appointments; regular dental Limiting alcohol intake; Using a lip balm with an SPF when outin the sun; Eating a healthful diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables; Self-screening for oral cancer. “Above all, people should know that self-screening is a priceless prevention tool,” says Dr. Kahn. “Catching a suspicious area early can make a world ofdifference.”
