How to Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer

Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sun exposure especially to the lips, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) are all known risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. By modifying our lifestyle, ensuring that our children receive the HPV vaccine, and scheduling regular dental hygiene visits, we can reduce our risks of illness.

Dental hygienists provide oral cancer screenings at each appointment and will make referrals to specialists if they spot anything unusual. They remind us to watch for the following changes in our mouths between appointments:

• Alterations to the colour or texture of gums, cheeks or tongue• Mouth lumps or sores that do not heal within 14 days

• Chronic sore throat or cough

• Difficulty swallowing

• Lumps in the neck, including those that aren’t bothersome

• Mouth or ear pain

Most cancers of the mouth can be treated if detected early; the five-year survival rate in such cases is almost 90 per cent. Find more information at www.dentalhygienecanada.ca.

www.newscanada.com