Oral Cancer: Are You at Risk?
Did you know that one person dies every hour from oral cancer in the United States? Oral cancer is actually a very treatable type of cancer, but only if it is detected early. Unfortunately, far too many patients don’t understand the risks and symptoms of oral cancer and get diagnosed too late. At Laguna West Dental, we proudly offer oral cancer screenings during routine dental exams, but we also educate patients on the warning signs to look for at home.
Oral cancer can include any area of the mouth including the lips, gum tissues, cheek lining, tongue as well as the hard or soft palate. Mouth cancer can also impact anyone, regardless of race, age or gender. However, there are some trends and risk factors that should be acknowledged when it comes to getting this type of cancer.
Lifestyle Habits that Contribute to Oral Cancer
Oral cancer most often develops in people older than 50, and men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women. However, while age and gender provide some generalizations and trends about mouth cancer, it is your lifestyle choices that have the greatest influence on your risk.
To lower risk of mouth cancer, we suggest the following:
Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes are a leading culprit to oral cancer. In fact, smokers have a doubled risk compared to those who don’t!
Limit Drinking Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use is found in nearly one third of all mouth cancer patients.
Establish a Healthier Diet: While filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, Vitamin C and calcium will lower your risk for mouth cancer, choosing a poor diet can increase your likelihood.
Protect Your Lips from Excessive Sun Exposure: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your lips. This delicate skin is vulnerable to UV sun damage and cancerous lesions.
Early Detection Starts with Your Dentist
How long has it been since you were screened for oral cancer? Our screenings at Laguna West are quick and painless – and may even be life-saving. Did you know that early detection of oral cancer increases the chances that a person will be alive 5 years after diagnosis, and the 5-year survival rate is 81%! Schedule your routine dental checkup and oral cancer screening in Elk Grove today.