William Penn Life, 2001 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-03-01 / 3. szám
cU áeaáe a tid e What you can do to prevent ORAL CANCER from wiping away your smile CHICAGO - Mouth and throat cancers will hit more than 30,000 Americans this year, making the disease the sixth most common cancer for males. Males also are twice as likely to get oral cancer than females, according to reports. "In most cases, the disease will strike people over the age of 40, and the American Dental Association (ADA) reminds adults to schedule regular dental visits and adopt an oral cancer prevention lifestyle," said Kimberly Harms, DDS, ADA consumer advisor and practicing Minnesota dentist. Dr. Harms said that like many other cancers, early detection can improve the chances of successful treatment, and as part of a regular examination the dentist can check your oral tissues for signs of cancerous or precancerous lesions. "Adults also can take an active role in the early detection of oral cancer by doing self-examinations," she said. "This means looking into a mirror and checking the lips, gums, cheek lining, tongue as well as the throat, and floor and roof of the mouth for symptoms of the disease." Signs and symptoms to look for include: • a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal; • a color change of the oral tissue; • a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small-eroded area; • pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips; • difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue; • a change in the way the teeth fit together; • a lump or thickening in the cheek; • a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth; • loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw; or • swelling of the jaw. If any of these signs or symptoms are noticed, you should contact your dentist immediately for a professional examination, Dr. Harms said. In addition to age, other factors can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. For example, oral cancers are more likely to occur among people who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless varieties. "Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers," she said. "Smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips, increasing the risk by about 50 times." The risk of developing oral cancer rises with increased alcohol consumption. According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol consumption strongly increases the risk of oral cancer. Approximately 75 percent to 80 percent of all patients with oral cancer frequently consume alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers. People who smoke and drink alcohol have an even higher risk of cancer than those using alcohol or tobacco alone. Adults also may be able to reduce the potential for oral cancer by adopting healthful eating habits. Some research suggests that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may help prevent the development of oral cancer lesions. "Knowing the risk factors and taking steps to prevent precancerous lesions from developing can go a long way toward limiting the influence oral cancer can have on your life," Dr. Harms said. "Starting today, make it a point to join your dentist in maintaining good oral health for life." |'yp|| Health Links For more information about oral cancer, how to prevent it and how to treat it, as well as information about other oral health topics, contact your dentist or visit the the web site of the American Dental Association. The address couldn’t be easier to remember: O www.ada.org William Penn Life, March 2001 5
