This year, approximately 52,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer.
About 132 new cases are diagnosed every day in the United States leaving 1-person dead every hour.
Oral and oral pharyngeal cancers include cancer found on the tongue, back of the mouth, and lips. Currently there are two main causes of these types of cancers. The first is tobacco and alcohol. The second is HPV (human papilloma virus 16). The same virus that causes the majority of cervical cancer. Only 7% of oral cancers are caused by an unknown reason.
Oral and oral pharyngeal cancers have a high survival rate (80-90%) when found and treated at an early stage in the disease. Unfortunately, most oral cancers are found at a later stage with a death rate of 43% over a 5-year time.
What can you do to lower your risk?
Limit alcohol consumption.
Quit smoking, or better yet don’t start!
Get vaccinated against HPV 16 and 18--The most prevalent cancer-causing strains.
Know your body - give yourself an exam!
Self exam tips
Look at your tongue when you brush your teeth and report any changes to your dentist right away.
Once a month while performing your breast exam, feel your neck for any lumps and any differences from side to side.
Feel your cheeks for any lumps.
Look at your lips for any dark colorations.
Make an appointment with your dentist if you see anything out of the ordinary.
Make an appointment with your dentist if you see anything out of the ordinary.
Check back tomorrow to learn more about how eating disorders can effect your mouth.
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