Early detection of Oral Cancer is vital

Dental check-ups help monitor patients’ overall oral health but can also detect signs of oral cancer. As part of these routine check-ups, dentists screen patients for early signs of oral cancer.

Early detection and a timely referral are essential as people with oral cancer have a survival rate of only 50% over five years. Sadly, oral cancer often goes undetected until it is at an advanced stage due to missed routine visits to the dentist.

During a check-up your dentist will also provide you with information about the links between lifestyle and cancer risk, which is a key first step in effective cancer prevention.

What You Can Do to Prevent Oral Cancer

Here’s how you can take an active role in preventing oral cancer or detecting it in its initial stages:

1. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. An unhealthy mouth compromises your immune system and inhibits your body’s ability to fight off potential cancers.
2. Don’t smoke. The risk of oral cancer is about 5 to 10 times greater among smokers compared to people who never smoked. Some of the chemicals contained in tobacco smoke cause, initiate or promote cancer. These chemicals cause genetic changes in cells of the mouth cavity which can lead to the development of oral cancer. If you are a smoker, even with a casual habit, make the decision to stop. Find out more about the benefits of quitting smoking here
3. Drinking less Alcohol. The risk of developing oral cancer increases with the amount and length of time alcohol and tobacco products are used.
4. Limit your exposure to the sun. We all know we need to use sunscreen, but do we remember to apply it to our lips? Always use UV-A/B-blocking sun protection on your lips when you are in the sun. Repeated exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lips, especially the lower lip. There are a lot of handy lipstick-size sunscreen tubes to carry for everyday use. Some even come with a colour tint and flavour to replace your regular lip gloss or moisturiser.
5. Exercise regularly. An active lifestyle is known to boost the immune system and help ward off cancer.
6. Choose cancer-fighting foods in your diet. Unfortunately, there is no “cancer prevention superfood”; it is a combination of food variety that gives the greatest benefit. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables gives you the benefits of antioxidants, fibre, phytochemicals and weight control. Limiting red meat and avoiding overcooking meat is recommended to help prevent cancer.
7. See your dentist or dental hygienist regularly. At least every six months visit your dentist and ask for an oral cancer screening to be done.
8. Conduct a self-examination at least once a month. For females, plan to do it the same time you do your breast self-exam. It only takes a few minutes of your time but could make a significant difference in your life. Buy a handy mouth mirror (available at most pharmacies) for those hard-to-see areas. Be sure to check the back and sides of your tongue. If you see or feel anything suspicious lumps, bumps, tender areas, white, red or grey patches, see your dentist to have it checked.

More Information about Oral Cancer

• Dental Care Professionals –
  • Is there anything I can do to prevent getting oral cancer?
  • Mouth Sores and Other Infections
• Oral Cancer Foundation –
  • Understanding Oral Cancer
  • Support and resources for people with Oral Cancer
• Australian Dental Association –
  • Cancer treatment and oral health in young adults aged 18 to 30
  • Cancer treatment and oral health in adults aged 31 to 64
  • Cancer treatment and oral health in older adults aged 65+
• World Cancer Day

Have you been to the dentist lately for an oral cancer screen? Book now to schedule your appointment, call 08 8232 3280 or book an Oral Cancer screening appointment online.