Oral Cancer
Who’s at Risk?
Who's At Risk?
Risk factors associated with oral cancers are changing and impacting a wider range of ages and backgrounds. Anyone can get cancer, but certain factors increase your risk. Tobacco use, such as smoking and smokeless tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption are two important risk factors associated with developing oral cancer. Another risk factor includes exposure to certain types of HPV–human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted virus–which is contributing to a rise in oral cancer among young people and men.
Source: Oral Cancer Foundation
Who's At Risk?
Risk factors associated with oral cancers are changing and impacting a wider range of ages and backgrounds. Anyone can get cancer, but certain factors increase your risk. Tobacco use, such as smoking and smokeless tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption are two important risk factors associated with developing oral cancer. Another risk factor includes exposure to certain types of HPV–human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted virus–which is contributing to a rise in oral cancer among young people and men.
Source: Oral Cancer Foundation
NON–TOBACCO USERS CAN ALSO BE AT–RISK
Other lifestyle and environmental factors have been identified as risk factors for oral cancer:
Second hand smoke (SHS)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Poor diet
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Oral lichen planus
Immunodeficiency
Occupational exposures
Mouthwash (alcohol-based) use
Poor oral hygiene
Betel nut consumption
Second hand smoke (SHS)Human papillomavirus (HPV)Poor dietGastroesophageal reflux diseaseOral lichen planusImmunodeficiencyOccupational exposuresMouthwash (alcohol-based) usePoor oral hygieneBetel Nut ConsumptionClinicians and patients should discuss oral cancer risk factors. It is also recommended to engage in good oral health practices, improve nutrition, as well as, get regular dental and medical checkups.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL MOUTH AND THROAT CANCER SYMPTOMS?
It is recommended to talk to a dentist or healthcare professional if you have any of the following symptoms:
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Lump in mouth or throat
Ear pain
Bad breath
Lump in neck
Changes in voice or speech
Sense of something stuck in throat
Poorly fitting dentures/ problems with teeth
Lesion/Sore in mouth greater than 3 weeks (painful/non-painful)
Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD)
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