As it does every April, the American Cancer Society (ACS) highlights the importance of oral cancer prevention and awareness. Oral cancer is becoming more prevalent than ever, with a 35% increase in oral cancer incidence over the past decade. Behind skin cancers like melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, oral cancers are most common among men ages 20-44. While these numbers may seem daunting, there are many ways to promote the prevention of this disease.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month!
The ACS recommends regular visits to your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. It will not only monitor for any suspicious lumps or lesions but also aid the detection of oral cancers in their earlier stages.
What is the most important thing to remember this month? If you have not already, please schedule a checkup with a dentist. The best chance to find and treat oral cancer early is when it’s still small and localized. Early detection can make all the difference!
ACS recommendations for healthy habits include:
Limit alcohol consumption: Men should have no more than two drinks, and women no more than one drink per day.
Avoid chewing tobacco or dipping snuff.
Drink juice, milk, or water instead of soda, tea, or coffee when thirsty.
Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
Remember, oral cancer screenings are critical in preventing this disease and can be easily performed by your dentist. Your dentist will be able to:
Check for oral cancer signs and symptoms during regular checkups; Perform an oral cancer exam, which includes visual inspection, tongue inspection for changes in color or texture, and palpation of the neck area for enlarged lymph nodes; and
Distribute information about how to lower your risk for oral cancer, including the proper use of sun protection products.
The ACS recommends wearing a mouthpiece, such as a toothbrush guard, which will catch any smudges or stains that may become lodged in your teeth and cause oral cancers. Also, fit them with chewable fluoride tablets for added protection.
Finally, see your dentist if you notice any sores in your mouth that do not heal quickly. These may be oral cancers and have different treatment options than other mouth sores, so your dentist needs to evaluate them immediately.
Just as with skin cancers on other parts of your body where sun exposure is a factor, wearing sun-protective clothing to the beach or taking precautions when working outdoors can help prevent oral cancer!
Things You Can Do To Prevent Oral Cancer!
The ACS offers the following tips for oral cancer prevention: Lipstick and other lip products must be rough-textured or contain sunscreen. It is because decorative or colorful lipsticks are less likely to reflect light into the mouth, giving off fewer UV rays.
Home care with fluoride toothpaste and a wide variety of toothbrushes can help prevent tooth decay. Additionally, flossing after meals and daily brushing helps remove bacteria from your teeth that may lead to gum disease.
Smoking increases the risk for oral cancers, especially those that start near your lips when applying lipstick.
You can do many things to prevent oral cancer by taking healthy steps in your daily life. Whether you are using toothpaste with fluoride, avoiding secondhand smoke, or carefully applying sunscreen to your lips, any steps you can take to prevent this disease are appreciated.
The ACS recommends regular visits to your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. It will not only monitor for any suspicious lumps or lesions but also aid the detection of oral cancers in their earlier stages.