During every dental check up we always screen for oral cancer.

Causes

• Tobacco- cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoking and chewing tobacco and alcohol use are the most important risk factors for oral cancer.
• 85% of cancer types are directly linked tobacco use.
• People who both smoke and drink are more at risk of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.

Symptoms

• Cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including inner buccal mucasa, palate and salivary glands. Most of these cancers begin in the squamous cells of the mouth but not all. The lips and tongue is the most common location.
• Any lump/swelling or discoloured patches should never be ignored. Pain may not be a symptom until late on.

Prevention

• Stop smoking, a heavy smoker someone who smokes 10+ cigarettes daily. This immediately reduces the risk of developing oral cancer.
• Good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist and hygienist even if dentures are worn.
• Drink alcohol sensibility if at all.
• During every dental check up we always screen for oral cancer.