So what can you do to reduce your risks?
Tobacco is the most common cause of mouth cancer. Risk is the same for all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, paan, areca nut and guthka. Switching to a low tar cigarette does not help as research shows that users tend to inhale more smoke to compensate. The Medical Centre has advisors here to help you quit so don’t feel that you have to go it alone.
Alcohol is another major risk factor. More than 70% of people diagnosed with mouth cancer drink more than the recommended daily limit. Alcohol increases the rate of absorption of tobacco in the mouth so a combination of smoking and drinking means you are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Diet Eating a healthy diet with 5 portions of fruit and vegetables is protective and studies suggest that even more fruit and vegetables will lower your risk even further. Fish and eggs have also been linked to reduced risk.
Sunblock. A protective screening lotion of lip slave will help to prevent lip cancer whilst you are out in the sun.
Your dentist as part of your regular dental check will also be looking out for early warning signs of mouth cancer, another reason to ensure that you visit your dentist regularly.
Symptoms of mouth cancer
Most people with mouth cancer have no early symptoms at all, but others may have:
- an ulcer in the mouth or on the lip that won't heal
- constant pain or soreness
- red or white patches in the mouth
- a lump on the lip, tongue or in the neck
- bad breath
- unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- numbness in the mouth
- loose teeth
These symptoms aren't always caused by mouth cancer but if you have them, visit your dentist or GP.
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