Oral Cancer Screening for Early Detection
Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Oral cancer can manifest in various areas of the mouth and throat, such as the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining, and hard palate. Although this condition can affect anyone, men have a higher likelihood of developing oral cancer compared to women, with a ratio of two to one. Men over the age of 50 who are heavy smokers and frequent alcohol consumers are particularly susceptible. Other risk factors include exposure to UV radiation from the sun or sunlamps, gastro-intestinal reflux disease (GERD), previous radiation treatment to the head and neck, exposure to certain chemicals, and poor diet. While the death rate from oral cancer has decreased in recent years due to early detection and improved treatment methods, there has been a recent increase in cases of oropharyngeal cancer caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
Stay alert for oral cancer
Oral cancer, one of the most common cancers globally, has seen significant progress in research, prevention, detection, and treatment. These advancements have led to improved outcomes for patients, with a survival rate of over 80% when oral cancer is identified early on.