Cancer of the mouth and throat is discovered in thousands of persons every year. In 2017, over 50,000 oral cancer patients were diagnosed. Because of this, your dentist will not only be looking for cavities and gum disease during your check-up, but he will also be watchful for potential evidence of oral cancer.
We have identified seven major risk factors that are nearly always present in an oral cancer diagnosis. In some of these cases, changing a few bad habits will decrease the likelihood of contracting the dreadful disease.
Advanced Age:
If you are over 55-years-old you are in the range of most risk in acquiring oral cancer. Although, young males with the STD called HPV are becoming a larger portion of the oral cancer problem.
Gender:
Men double their rate of oral cancer when compared to women. The American Cancer Society says that this is because of higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use among males.
Sunlight Exposure:
Lip cancer is a problem in people who work outside. Good advice is the use UV protection.
Poor Nutrition:
Just like mother told you, eating more fruits and vegetables is good for you—especially the green ones. Seeing more color in your foods is a good tip to follow if you want to avoid developing oral cancer.
Tobacco Use:
Every kind of tobacco use dramatically increases your risk for oral cancer. Smoking also can promote cancers in other parts of the body. Chew leads to several issues of the mouth, cheeks, gums and lips.
Alcohol Consumption:
7 of 10 heavy drinkers that imbibe 2 or more drinks daily are at greater risk of contracting oral cancers according to statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACA).
HPV – Human Papilloma Virus:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cancers of the head and neck disproportionately affect younger men with HPV, a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
If you are concerned about oral cancer, Dr. Steven J. Brazis would be happy to discuss the topic with you and the options for treatment. Please contact Steven J. Brazis, DDS at: 916-731-5151, or come by our office in Sacramento, California.
