How to prevent mouth cancer?

 How to prevent mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer, often known as oral cancer or cancer of the oral cavity, is cancer that starts in the region of the mouth.

 Mouth cancer starts in the cells lining the mouth. Damaged cells can then grow uncontrollably to form a tumour. 

The two main risk factors for mouth cancer are alcohol and tobacco, and the combined effect of drinking and smoking is far greater.

 Mouth cancer risk increases as you get older, and men are three times more likely than women to develop the disease. 

Mouth cancer can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage, so it’s important to see your dentist or doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your mouth.

Tobacco and alcohol are responsible for over 75% of mouth cancers, by exposing your mouth to cancer-causing substances (carcinogens).

 If you smoke and drink, your risk of developing mouth cancer is significantly higher. Alcohol may enable other carcinogens, including tobacco, to enter and damage cells.   

Tobacco use includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing. 

If you smoke or chew tobacco, you are twice as likely to develop mouth cancer as a non-smoker. 

Chewing or smoking areca nut, betel quid, pan or gutka also increases your risk. 

Where in the mouth cancer develops depends on how you use the tobacco product. For example, if you have a habit of chewing tobacco on your left cheek, you may be prone to cancer of that cheek. 

Mouth cancer is six times more common in alcohol drinkers than in non-drinkers. The more you drink, the greater the risk.  

Other risk factors include: 

• being over 40 years of age
• being male – men are three times as likely to develop mouth cancer as women 
• sun exposure – ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin cancer on the lips
• poor oral hygiene
• being overweight or obese

 Prevention

1. Stop using tobacco or don't start
2. Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. Chronic excessive alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth, making them vulnerable to mouth cancer
3. Avoid excessive sun exposure to your lips

See your dentist regularly

by,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.