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April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month. At Remote Area Medical RAM®, we want to help keep you healthy and informed. This includes understanding signs of oral cancer and what oral cancer treatment entails.
Early detection is important in increasing long-term survival for individuals living with oral cancer. Studies show 11 people in 100,000 will develop oral cancer during their lifetime. (Cleveland Clinic)
Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, meaning they cause an overproduction of cancerous cells on the top layer of your skin. Oral cancer can affect and appear on your lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth as red or white patches. Knowing the signs and symptoms is crucial for diagnosing this type of cancer during its early stages.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
- Tobacco products
- Heavy alcohol
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips
- Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV)
- A weakened immune system
While there is no proven way to prevent oral cancer entirely, there are ways to reduce your overall exposure risk. Prevention methods include avoiding the risk factors mentioned above such as tobacco and alcohol and getting regular health and dental exams.
What Does Oral Cancer Look Like?
- Lip or mouth sores that won’t heal within two weeks
- A white patch or red patch inside of your mouth
- Loose teeth
- A growth or lump inside the mouth
- Mouth Pain
- Ear Pain
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing
- Chronic Bad Breath
- Unintentional weight loss
If you think you might be experiencing any of these symptoms of oral cancer, see your doctor or dentist.
To see a doctor or dentist at a RAM Clinic, check our schedule to find the clinic closest to you.
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If you have a family history of oral/mouth cancer, you have an increased risk of developing oral cancer and should monitor your oral health regularly.
Between the ages of 20 and 40, you should have an oral cancer screening every three years. After age 40, you should have an annual examination. If a dentist notices potential signs of oral cancer during a checkup, you should follow up with testing or be referred to a specialist.
Oral cancer is becoming more common in younger patients due to HPV. Even if you are not exposed to typical risk factors, HPV can increase your risk of oral cancer.
One way to reduce this risk is through receiving an HPV vaccination. “The administration of the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers, including certain head and neck cancers,” Dr. Mancini of America Dental Association.
Learn More About Oral Cancer
At RAM, we want to raise awareness on Oral Cancer Awareness Month by teaching people the potential signs and symptoms and letting them know of free health and dental care opportunities.
Beyond Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and alert your dentist of any noticeable changes. Read more about the importance of maintaining good oral health in our blog post Beyond Your Smile: Why Oral Health Matters More Than You Think.
Want to learn more about oral health from RAM Board of Directors member Dr. Brain Swann? Read our blog to see what Dr. Swann says about oral cancer including oral health and how it’s connected to your overall wellbeing.
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