Regular dental checkups can help detect oral cancer

Stick your tongue out at your dentist during Oral Health Month

Regular dental checkups can play an important role in the early detection of oral cancer, says the BC Dental Association. Oral cancer-which can occur anywhere in the mouth including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, the palate or throat-will strike approximately 3,200 Canadians this year and result in about 1,100 deaths. But if caught early, oral cancer has an 80-90% survival rate. As part of its annual Oral Health Month campaign this April, the BCDA is raising awareness about oral cancer and how dentists can help in the early detection of this disease.

"Because your dentist sees your mouth regularly, they can detect changes that may indicate a problem," said Dr. Alastair Nicoll, BCDA President. "An oral cancer examination during a routine dental visit is a quick and painless way to detect cancer early and save your life."

An oral cancer examination takes about five minutes and includes an inspection of the face, neck, lips and inside the mouth. Patients are asked to stick out their tongue so it can be checked for swelling or abnormal color or texture.

Smoking and alcohol, especially when combined, are key risk factors for oral cancer. Constant exposure to the sun can also cause cancer of the lips. Although adults over the age of 40 are at greatest risk, there have been cases of oral cancer in young children and those with no known risk factors.

Smokeless or chewing tobacco, another high risk factor for oral cancer, is of particular concern for British Columbia's South East Asian and Indian communities. "It is a common cultural practice to chew on betel or areca nut mixed with tobacco," said Dr. Michele Williams, Oral Medicine Leader at the BC Cancer Agency. "Oral cancer usually develops where the tobacco product is held in the mouth.

Become familiar with your mouth. Call your dentist if you notice any of the following:

white or red patches on the gums, tongue or inside of the mouth

Any sores that bleed easily but don't heal within three weeks

Persistent lumps or ulcers

Unexpected loosening of teeth

Pain or numbness in the mouth or lips.

Don't ignore a mouth sore because it doesn't hurt. Most pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions are completely painless.

Minimize your risk for developing oral cancer. Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and wear lip balm that contains sunscreen. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and if you notice anything usual in your mouth, don't wait for it to go away. Call your dentist!

 

-end-

For more information, contact:
Ina Hunt
Manger, Communications
604 714 2383 or 1 888 396 9888