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What is mouth cancer?
Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts
of the body such as the lungs or breasts. However,
cancer can occur in the mouth, where the disease
can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat.
What can cause mouth cancer?
Most cases of mouth cancer are linked to tobacco
and alcohol. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking
are the main forms of tobacco use in the UK. However,
the traditional ethnic habits of chewing tobacco,
betel quid, gutkha and paan are particularly dangerous.
Alcohol increases the risk of mouth cancer, and
if tobacco and alcohol are consumed together the
risk is even greater. Over-exposure to sunlight
can also increase the risk of cancer of the lips.
What are the signs of mouth
cancer?
Mouth cancer can appear in different forms and
can affect all parts of the mouth, tongue and lips.
Mouth cancer can appear as a painless mouth ulcer
that does not heal normally. A white or red patch
in the mouth can also develop into a cancer. It
is important to visit your dentist if these areas
do not heal within two weeks.
How can mouth cancer be detected
early?
Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early
stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth
examination. If mouth cancer is recognised early,
then the chances of a cure are good. Many people
with mouth cancer go to their dentist or doctor
too late.
Can mouth cancer be treated?
If mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of
a complete cure are good, and the smaller the area
or ulcer the better the chance of a cure. However,
too many people come forward too late, because
they do not visit their dentist for regular examinations.
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How can I make sure that
my mouth stays healthy?
It is important to visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you wear
dentures. This is especially important if you smoke and drink alcohol.
When brushing your teeth, look
out for any changes in your mouth, and report any
red or white patches, or ulcers, that have not
cleared up within two weeks.
When exposed to the sun, be sure
to use a good protective sun cream, and put the
correct type of barrier cream on your lips.
A good diet, rich in vitamins
A, C and E, provides protection against the development
of mouth cancer. Plenty of fruit and vegetables
help the body to protect itself, in general, from
most cancers.
Cut down on your smoking and
drinking.
Courtesy of the British Dental
Health Foundation – www.dentalhealth.org |
