Cancer can also occur in your mouth: World Cancer Day

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is joining the fight against cancer as part of World Cancer Day tomorrow on February 4th. Over 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year.

Oral Cancer can affect anyone from young adults right through to the elderly. It can occur on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, gums, back of the throat or in salivary glands.

Oral Cancer is caused by a variety of lifestyle risks, many of which are a part of the lives of the majority of Australians. It is particularly alarming that cases of oral cancer are increasing in younger people, due to exposure to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted.

Dr Peter Alldritt, Chair of the ADA's Oral Health Committee, said: "Every day, at least three Australians are being diagnosed with oral cancer; an insidious, aggressive disease with a survival rate of only 50% over 5 years. Oral cancer often goes undetected until it is at an advanced stage."

The signs and symptoms include:

• A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in the mouth, lip, or throat
• A chronic ulcer or blood blister in the mouth that does not heal
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
• Prolonged swollen glands
• A sore throat that does not go away
• Difficulty speaking, or a change in the voice
• Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

Dr Alldritt continued, "Smoking, alcohol, poor diet, excess sun exposure, poor oral hygiene and the Human Papilloma Virus all increase a person's risk of developing oral cancer. However simple changes to one's lifestyle will make a big difference to reducing your risk."

The ADA advises Australians:

• Limit alcohol intake
• Quit smoking
• Practice safe oral sex
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear lip balm with SPF sun protection
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Visit the dentist regularly for a checkup – as early detection can reduce the impact of the cancer.