Awareness for cancers like breast cancer or colon cancer is high, but what about oral cancer? In honor of April being Oral Cancer Awareness Month, our team of some of the best dentists in Cary, Il want to help draw attention to cancer of the mouth and throat, as it collectively kills nearly one person every hour of every day of the year. This is a startling statistic that cannot be ignored! Here is more information regarding oral cancer and what you can do to prevent it.
Risk Factors
The American Cancer Society notes that men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women, and men who are over 50 years old have a greater risk. Other risk factors for developing oral cancer include smoking (including smokeless tobacco), the excessive consumption of alcohol, a family history of cancer, excessive sun exposure and HPV.
Symptoms
Being aware of the symptoms of oral cancer is important in early detection. Be aware of the following:
- Lumps or bumps on the lips, gums or other areas of the mouth
- White, red or speckled patches in the mouth
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Persistent sores on the face, neck or mouth that bleed and don’t heal within 2 weeks
- Ear pain
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
- Dramatic weight loss
Make sure to contact our team if you notice any of the above symptoms.
Prevention
Make sure to drink alcohol in moderation and don’t smoke or use tobacco products. Eating a well-balanced diet can also help minimize your chances of developing oral cancer. Finally, limit your sun exposure and conduct a self-exam at least once a month.
When it comes to your oral health, you should only rely on the best dentists in Cary, Il. Contact our team to learn more about staying safe from oral cancer.