Oral Cancer Awareness Month April
It's hot, isn't it? April is not only the month of summer; it is also observed as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to increase knowledge about oral cancer, its indications, and causative agents.
Did you know? India is called the "Oral cancer capital of the world" because oral cancer has become an epidemic disease in India. It is the leading cancer among both men and women in India. The main reason for this oral cancer epidemic outbreak is a lack of awareness and a non-serious attitude towards the early indications of oral cancer. World Oral Health Day is also celebrated in March to highlight the importance of oral health. Keep reading to learn about oral cancer because safety starts with awareness, and awareness begins with you.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer occurs in the tissue present in the oral cavity or throat. It can happen in any part of the mouth,either in the lining of lips, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, or the front part of the throat. It can also affect the tonsils, and salivary glands.
What Are The Symptoms Of Oral Cancer?
Let's Be Mouthaware! Read further to know about the symptoms of oral cancer.
- Red or white patches in the mouth: You may see unusual red or white patches in mouth, gums, tonsils, or the lining of the cheeks.
- Swelling in the jaw: You may experience swelling and mass in jaws.
- Pain and numbness in the mouth: If there is no underlying reason for pain do check with your doctor
- Drastic weight loss: You will undergo a drastic reduction in weight
- Persistent bad breath: Your breath will turn bad and worse over a period of time.
- Chronic sore throat and hoarseness of voice: If you do not have any underlying infections,cold or fever a change in voice must be addressed immediately.
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing: You will have trouble swallowing and have the feeling that something is stuck in your mouth.
- Ear pain: Pain in the ears that does not correspond with any indications of infection or inflammation in the ear could be related to oral cancer.
- Ulcers: Persistent ulcers in the mouth, face, and neck that have not disappeared even after three weeks.
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, as mentioned above, do not delay your visit to the dentist. Although the symptoms may appear familiar, the only difference between an ordinary mouth problem and oral cancer is that these signs do not go away and will persist for a more extended period.
Know Your Numbers
Oral cancer ranks sixth in the world's cancer incidence rates, with more than 1 lakh deaths reported in 2020. India has a high rate of oral cancer (20 cases per 100,000 people), which makes up more than 30% of all cancer cases there.
Who Is At Risk Of Developing Oral Cancer?
On account of Oral Cancer Awareness Month 2024, learn the causes related to oral cancer. It has been reported that oral cancer is ranked No:1 among all other cancers in Indian men. Men are always at twice the risk of oral cancer than women.
- Smoking cigarettes or pipes and chronic alcoholics have a six-fold high risk of getting oral cancer.
- Chewing tobacco, supari, pan masala, sniffing, or smoking tobacco can elevate your risk of developing oral cancer up to 50 times.
- Excessive sun exposure
- Exposure to the sexually transmitted virus- human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Poor diet and improper dental hygiene.
In India, the notable causes of oral cancer are high consumption of tobacco products and alcoholism, which contains a lot of carcinogens. Carcinogens are the chemical compounds that tend to damage the DNA of the cells and cause mutation, finally leading to the development of cancerous cells in the mouth or oral cavity. In addition to tobacco, people are also addicted to cannabis smoking, which contains a high level of tar, which is also a potent cancer-causing agent and more powerful than tobacco. Betel nuts have always been a part of Indian tradition. Most Indians are subjected to consuming betel nuts that consist of addictive seeds that have stimulant effects and carcinogenic properties. Therefore, it causes oral cancer.
How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
Oral cancer can be confirmed by performing a combination of procedures and imaging studies that include:
Biopsy: If any abnormal ulcers or sore is found, the doctor may recommend you to get a biopsy, a technique to analyze the nature of cells, whether it is cancerous or benign.
Imaging tests: These involve PET scan, CT scan, X-ray and MRI, these imaging studies will help the healthcare professional to identify the stages of cancer and its spread to other parts.
Endoscopy: It is used to inspect the throat, oesophagus, and other inside tissues. If necessary, an endoscopy can be used to take tissue samples for a biopsy and to help visualize any abnormalities in the upper digestive tract.
Learn About Stages Of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer stages are categorized based on size, location, and number of tumors.
Stage 1- The tumor size is less than 2cm and has not reached the lymph nodes.
Stage 2- The size ranges between 2-4 cm and still has not reached the lymph nodes.
Stage 3- The tumor size is greater than 4cm and spreads to the neck region's lymph node.
Stage 4- A developed Lymph Node (>3cm) in the neck; cancer has spread beyond the mouth to other organs such as the lungs.
How Do Oncologists Treat Oral Cancer?
Treatment for oral cancer follows a standard cancer regimen that involves surgery and a combination of chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the type and size of the cancerous tumor.
If the cancer is detected at a basic stage,surgery such as maxillectomy, will be performed to cease the spread of cancer to other body parts. Chemotherapy includes anti-cancer drugs that potentially kill the cancerous cells, whereas in targeted drug therapy most of the drugs acts by interfering with the DNA or prevents the development of blood vessels thereby declines growth of cancerous tumour.
Check Out Some Screening Methods for early detection
Did you know? It just takes less than 5 minutes to do a self-oral examination because early detection is the best protection!
Look inside your mouth! It is suggested that you perform a self-oral examination once a month. You just need a mirror and a bright light to check your oral cavity. Thoroughly inspect your mouth, check the floor & roof of the mouth, run your fingers under your jawline to feel your neck, and examine your gums and cheeks by pulling your cheeks and opening your mouth. Look for any swellings or patches. If you notice any abnormalities, contact your healthcare professional or dentist for further medical advice. So, from this oral cancer awareness month 2024, let's commit ourselves to regularizing the self-oral examination monthly once.
Tips To Prevent Oral Cancer
"Say No To Oral Cancer And Save Your Life."
Oral cancer is one of the preventable cancers. Most of the risk factors associated with causing oral cancer are related to our social lifestyle.
- Direct sun exposure can lead to the development of lip cancer due to the high penetration of ultraviolet radiation, so it is better to apply sunblock agents and use a lip balm that contains sun-protecting factors.
- It is imperative to refrain from tobacco and alcohol.
- If you feel that you are at risk of contracting the HPV virus, prioritize getting vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.
- Ensure regular visits to the dentist because a simple dental check could save your life.
- . In this oral awareness month, let's raise awareness, be vocal about adopting sensible lifestyle choices, and avoid such habits that cause harm to our bodies.
- Above all, try to consume a healthy diet containing many fruits and vegetables.
