No one wants to think about having cancer unless they or a loved one is affected by this cruel disease, but as a dentist in Lancaster, we’re passionate about raising awareness of oral cancers and the importance of early detection.

Historically, oral cancers have been associated with higher death rates than many other cancers. This is because it is often only detected in the late stages of the disease, especially in people who don’t attend regular check-ups.

The latest figures about oral cancer published on the Cancer Research UK website date back to 2012. They show that 7,316 new cases of oral cancer were detected and 2,119 deaths occurred, while 91% of those oral cancer cases were preventable. It’s that last figure that really leaps out of the page. It’s worth saying again, 91% of those deaths were preventable.

It’s also important to know that, if oral cancer is spotted early, it currently has a survival rate of 80 to 90%. Unfortunately, 40% of people diagnosed with an oral cancer currently die within five years because the cancer was spotted too late.

Is it possible to prevent the oral cancers?

In some cases, age and genetics can be blamed, or simply bad luck and no obvious cause. However, as the figure above suggests, in 91% of cases major lifestyle and other factors are the root cause.

According to Cancer Research UK, risk factors will vary depending on the specific site of the cancer. Smoking is the number one avoidable risk factor for this terrible disease and is linked to an estimated 65% of the oral cancer cases in the UK. Alcohol (30%) and infections (13%) have also been identified as lifestyle factors associated with oral cancers.

A study published in The BMJ in 2013 found that 50% of the cases of oral cancer in India were linked to chewing betel quid (sometimes referred to as ‘paan’). The quid is usually made up of areca nut, catechu, slaked lime and tobacco, and chewing areca nut has been found to release carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Oral cancer has also been linked to the use of smokeless tobacco, ionising radiation, and exposure to certain chemicals in certain jobs. A strain of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV-16), which can be transmitted through oral sex, has been linked to oral cancer too, so you might want to consider getting tested for STIs at the same time as any new sexual partner.

What can you do to prevent oral cancer?

While there are no guarantees in life, one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against oral cancer is to attend regular oral examinations where your dentist has the opportunity to look closely at the soft tissues in your mouth and spot any suspicious changes that can be investigated at the earliest opportunity. Here at our Lancaster-based dental practice, we include oral cancer screening as part of every routine check-up.

Research shows that a poor quality diet, low in fruit and vegetables, can be linked to an estimated 56% of oral cancer cases in the UK, so you should take steps to improve your diet and eat plenty of fruit and veg.

If you’re a smoker, we can’t stress how important it is that you get the support you need to give up smoking. This will not only help you prevent oral cancers and lung cancer, but also improve your skin health, lower your risk of gum disease, and much more.

What are the early signs of oral cancers?

As a dentist in Lancaster, my experience has been that we dentists are often the first people to spot early signs that a patient has oral cancer or some pre-cancerous changes that should be investigated.

With early identification, the prognosis for a full recovery is much more positive.

If you notice any unusual bumps, sores, or changes in your mouth between appointments, please book an appointment with your dentist straight away. Even if you get the all clear, it’s better to be safe than sorry. It’s also better to find out what’s wrong as soon as possible than to become one of the 91% of oral cancer cases that could have been prevented.

Contact our Lancaster dentists

If you’re looking for a dentist in Lancaster or have any concerns related to oral cancer, call us at Viva Dental Practice based in Lancaster on 01524 735 431 to book an appointment.