Facts on Oral Cancers

Recent reports suggest that cases of mouth cancer is on the increase, especially among young women. Mouth cancer to be on the increase in Ireland. This may be related to increased alcohol consumption in recent years.
A worrying trend has been seen in younger women; although the numbers are small, cancer in younger women used to be almost unknown in Ireland”.
There are 450 new cases of oral cancer every year in Ireland. This figure is comparable to cervical cancer and melanoma and it has a high morbidity rate despite advances in reconstructive techniques.

Incidence 3 times more common in males than females

Urban males who smoke and drink are more at risk from contracting oral cancer.

You should attend your dentist at least once a year for a routine check-up which would detect problems as early as possible.

There are 4 to 5 deaths for every 10 incident cases.

Smoking, alcohol and poor diet are the major risk factors with tobacco linked to over 75 % of cases of intra oral cancer.

Oral cancer like any other cancer has the best chance of being cured if diagnosed early. All dentists are trained to detect oral cancer and precancerous lesions. Examination of the oral cavity for oral cancer and other suspicious lesions forms part of the normal "dental check up" and the vast majority of patients referred to hospital with potentially malignant lesions come from dentist.

The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkins disease, cancer of the brain, liver, testes, kidney, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

HOW DO I KEEP MY MOUTH 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.

REMEMBER: Regular visits to your dentist could save your life.