It is estimated that around 1,700 people die each year from mouth cancer and the numbers continue to rise year on year. Like most cancers if it is spotted early enough it can be successfully treated and cured. This is part of what the dentist does on your regular 6 monthly check ups and this is why keeping these appointments are so important.
Signs of oral cancer
The signs of mouth cancer can include white or red patches in the mouth. Lumps in the mouth or throat, swelling in the mouth, ulcers that do not clear up after 14 days and difficulty in swallowing. There are many factors that can either cause oral cancer or put a person into a high risk of developing it.
Who is more at risk?
Smoking and heavy drinking are factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing oral cancer. Smokers or tobacco users are 6 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-tobacco users. It is estimated that around 75% of all oral cancer cases involved people who use tobacco and drink on a regular basis. However there are infections such as human papillomavirus type 16, which can increase the risk of developing mouth cancer.
All dentists are trained to spot the early warning signs of mouth cancer and will look for it at every visit. By avoiding factors that can increase the risk of developing oral cancer will surely help, so quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can have a positive effect.
Tags: liverpool, Mouth cancer Liverpool, oral cancer, Oral cancer screening
