November is Mouth Cancer Action Month 2019
Mouth cancer can strike in a number of places, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheek. Given that early detection is so crucial for survival.
Three signs and symptoms not to ignore are:
•Ulcers that do not heal within three weeks.
•Red and white patches in the mouth.
•Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area.
If you noticed any of above ask your dental team or doctor to examine you.
The five key risk factors are:
- Tobacco
This is the leading cause of mouth cancer. Tobacco transforms saliva into a deadly cocktail that damages cells in the mouth and can turn them cancerous. - Alcohol
Excessive drinking of alcohol is linked to more than a third of mouth cancer cases in men and a fifth in women. Heavy drinkers and smokers are up to 35 times more at risk. - HPV (the Human papillomavirus)
The world’s most common sexually-transmitted virus is being linked to the growth of mouth cancer cases and is expected to become the leading cause of the disease in the near future. It’s the world’s most viral secret and during November, we want to put it under the spotlight. - Diet
Research shows that a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer. - Chewing or smokeless tobacco
Smokeless and chewing tobacco like betel quid, is not a ‘safe’ alternative to traditional cigarettes and is very common across Asia, Europe and the USA.
