Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is any abnormal malignant tissue growth in the mouth, including the lips, inside the cheeks, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and the back of the throat.

Early detection

Oral cancer can be successfully treated if caught at an early stage. To detect oral cancer in its early stage, have regular oral cancer screening done by a dental professional. Early detection results in the survival rate increasing to 80 percent.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

• Sores on the lip or in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks,
• white or red patches on tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth,
• lumps located on the lips, tongue, or neck,
• sore throat and difficulty swallowing,
• unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth.

Oral cancer facts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called Oropharyngeal cancer).

It was estimated by the Canadian Cancer Society that in 2016:

• 4,600 Canadians would be diagnosed with oral cancer.
• 1,250 Canadians would die from oral cancer.
• 3,200 men would be diagnosed with oral cancer and 840 will die from it.
• Men would account for over half of the new cases
• 1,450 women would be diagnosed with oral cancer and 390 will die from it.

You can prevent oral cancer by:

• avoiding tobacco products including chewing tobacco,
• avoiding more than two alcoholic beverages a day; up to 75% of oral cancers may be attributed to exposure to tobacco or alcohol,
• using sun protection on your lips,
• using alcohol-free mouthwash, and
• considering getting vaccinated against HPV. Ask your health care professional.

Resources:

• Health Canada - Oral Cancer
• Canadian Cancer Society - Oral Cancer Statistics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention