Every April, we observe Oral Cancer Awareness Month – a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of oral cancer and encouraging its early detection.
The campaign seeks to educate people on various aspects of oral cancer such as risk factors, symptoms, treatment options and prevention strategies. It also encourages regular dental check-ups, which are crucial for the early detection of this deadly disease.
Oral cancer includes cancers that occur in the mouth (such as the lips, tongue, jaw), salivary glands and tonsils. Oral cancer can be devastating if not caught early enough. However, with increased public awareness and regular check-ups, we can improve survival rates and reduce the suffering caused by this disease. This is why understanding and participating in this initiative is so important.
Cancer Awareness Month is so important.
Risk factors and symptoms
Understanding the risk factors for developing oral cancer is crucial. One of the most important risks comes from tobacco use – whether it’s smoking, snorting, or chewing. According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, smokers have an eightfold greater risk of developing oral cancer compared to non-smokers. Alcohol consumption can also increase the risk. In fact, heavy drinking combined with smoking increases the risk even more.
In addition, exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as another major risk factor for developing oral cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts and various types of cancer, including oropharyngeal cancer (cancer in the back of the throat). Some symptoms that may indicate the presence of oral cancer include persistent sores in the mouth, white or red patches on the lips or gums, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent sore throat.