Understanding oral cancer, knowing your risks, and recognizing early symptoms

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in your mouth and may affect the lips, tongue, tonsils, salivary glands, soft tissues, or throat. Now considered an epidemic, the incidence of oral cancers is steadily on the rise and an estimated 58,500 new cases will be diagnosed in 2024. In the world of cancer, we understand that one of the most important things that can take place is the earliest possible discovery. At LAT Dentistry we are committed to “Being a part of the Change-oral cancer screening saves lives” in support of the campaign founded by the Oral Cancer Foundation. By providing a thorough oral cancer screening at each of your routine exam and cleaning visits we can bring awareness to oral cancers by helping you understand your risk and identify early symptoms.

How do I know if I am at risk?

Risk factors for oral cancer include:

· Tobacco: There is no safe use of tobacco. Smoking tobacco increases your risk for developing oral cancer by 27x for men and 6x for women, while long term smokeless tobacco use increases risk by 50x. Risk increases with use. E-cigarettes are also considered a risk factor for oral cancer development, but there is insufficient research to suggest a causal relationship at this time.

· Alcohol: Excess consumption of alcohol-7+ drinks per week for women and 14+ drinks per week for men increased risk by 6x. Beer, hard liquor, and wine are all risk factors; however, beer and hard liquor show an increased risk. The risk is 15x greater for those who both smoke and drink and account for approximately ¾ of all oral cancer cases.

· HPV-16 Virus: There has been an increased number of HPV-16 related oral cancers over the past 2 decades. Research shows that HPV is now the primary risk factor for the development of oral cancer for those under age 50. Previously, those over 40 with a history of smoking were in the highest risk category for developing oral cancers. The number of cases in non-smoking younger populations is steadily increasing. HPV is so common almost all sexually active men and women will contract the virus. Oral sex increases the risk for oral cancer. There are over 200 types of HPV with HPV-16 potentially causing oropharyngeal (throat and base of tongue) cancers in 1% of the population where the body’s immune system is unable to clear the virus. HPV-16 may also cause cervical cancer in women.

· Family History: Family history of cancers and genetics may increase your risk for developing oral cancer.

· Poor Diet: Dietary factors are associated with increased risk for oral cancers. Low levels of beta-carotene which are acquired through fruits and vegetables have shown to increase risk. On the other hand, increased intake of fruits has shown to have protective factors against oral cancers. Increased vitamin C and fiber intake can reduce risk by ½.

· Sun exposure: Cancer may develop on the lips from excess sun exposure, especially in fair skinned individuals.

· Poor oral health

· 25% of those diagnosed do not smoke and are not heavy drinkers

· 10% have no identified cause

· 2 men to every woman are diagnosed with mouth cancer/ 4 men to every woman are diagnosed with throat cancer

· Risk increases for those over 40 years of age

· In 2024, the American Cancer Society reported the lifetime risk for developing oral cancer to be 1 in 59 men and 1 in 139 women.

What are the symptoms?

· white or red patches in the mouth

· sore(s) in the mouth lasting more than 14 days

· lump in the mouth or neck

· numbness of the tongue, lip, or chin

· difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing

· hoarseness or changes in speech

· pain in the jaw or difficulty opening the mouth

· ongoing earache

· spontaneous bleeding in the mouth

How can I reduce my risk?

· Know your risks! Knowing your risks is the first step in reducing your risks!

· Quit tobacco use- This is one of the best decisions for your oral and overall health. If you would like assistance, please reach out for additional support or visit https://www.quitassist.com

· Limit alcohol consumption-if you or a loved are struggling with alcohol addiction and would like additional resources please visit https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help

· Give your lips some love! Use sun protection daily to help reduce your risk.

· Eat your fruits and veggies! A healthy diet is crucial in supporting our immune system and fighting oral and systemic diseases.

· Get vaccinated!-Consider getting yourself and your children vaccinated for HPV. Even if you have had an HPV diagnosis in the past, you can potentially still protect yourself from HPV-16 which causes both oral cancers and cervical cancers. Remember there are over 200 types of HPV and the HPV that causes genital warts for example is not related to cancer causing types. With HPV related cancers on the rise, this is one of the most reliable methods of prevention available.

· Get tested! -Limiting the number of sexual partners and using protection during sex will reduce your risk of contracting HPV. If your partner has HPV, so will you. Get STD testing before and after a new sexual partner.

· Know your family history! This may put you at an increased risk yourself. Gene expression is largely influenced by diet and lifestyle. Ensure you are following these prevention tips to decrease your risk of developing oral cancer and to be the healthiest happiest version of yourself!

· See your dentist and dental hygienist regularly!-Maintain routine visits so your dentist and dental hygienist can perform oral cancer screenings for you! Early detection saves lives!

· Check your mouth! If you notice changes in your mouth, schedule an appointment with your dental provider. If you consider yourself high risk after reading this blog, we recommend performing monthly self-exams. Follow the link to learn how! https://checkyourmouth.org/wp/

Early detection saves lives! Oral cancers found during stage I have an 80-90% survival rate. Unfortunately, most oral cancers are not detected until late stage with an average survival rate of 43%. If abnormal tissue changes in your mouth are found during your routine exam and are still present after 14 days, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon for an evaluation and/or biopsy of the area. 5% of oral biopsies return with an oral cancer diagnosis. If you are considered high risk for oropharyngeal (throat) cancers, routine ENT evaluations may be recommended as many throat cancers are not visible through oral cancer screening provided by your dentist or dental hygienist. Reducing your risks, maintaining routine appointments, and notifying your dental professional when you notice any changes in your mouth can help to ensure dangerous tissue changes are diagnosed promptly. For more information visit https://oralcancerfoundation.org