While anyone can be diagnosed with this type of cancer, certain risk factors can increase one's chances of a diagnosis.
Understanding the risk factors for oral cancer is important. While it is impossible to control certain risk factors, such as gender and age, it is still important to learn what one can do to reduce their chances of being diagnosed with this type of cancer. As will all types of cancers, professional treatment is necessary.
Oral cancer develops when cancer cells begin growing out of control in the mouth, which includes the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, the gums, the teeth, most of the tongue, the bottom of the mouth, and the bony roof of the mouth, or hard palate.
The list below includes some of the more common risk factors that will increase someone's chances of being diagnosed with this type of cancer.
The majority of people who are diagnosed with a form of oral cancer use tobacco. They either smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, or use snuff. The longer someone uses tobacco, the higher their chances are of receiving an oral cancer diagnosis. The amount of tobacco use also plays an important role. Those who smoke tobacco are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer in their mouth or throat, and those who chew tobacco or use snuff are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer in their cheeks, gums, and the inner parts of their lips.
Consuming alcohol is a close second behind tobacco when it comes to how many people are diagnosed with oral cancer. Many people who receive an oral cancer diagnosis are also heavy alcohol drinkers. Alcohol is considered an irritant and can damage the cells in the body. When we consume alcohol, it gets into the bloodstream, which can cause damage in any part of the body, hindering one's ability to heal if diagnosed with oral cancer.
Spending too much time in the sun is a third risk factor. Everyone needs to protect themselves from too much sun exposure. Protection often includes wearing adequate sunscreen, lip sunscreen, a hat, protective clothing, and sitting in shaded areas. Avoiding the sun altogether between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm is also a good idea, as these are the hours in which the sun is at its strongest.
After reading the above information, do you feel you might need an oral cancer screening? Oral cancer screenings need to be performed on a regular basis, as the sooner this type of cancer is found, the easier it will be to treat. Now that it is understood that certain risk factors increase one's chances of being diagnosed, those with one or more of these risk factors may need to be seen more often for screening.
Call our office to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://copperhilldentalpartners.com or call Dental Partners Copperhill at (423) 241-6102 for an appointment in our Copperhill office.
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