Oral Cancer Awareness Month
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Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can affect any part of the throat or mouth. It is estimated that approximately 54,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year in the United States alone (American Cancer Society, 2023). Oral cancer is twice as likely to occur in men and is often found after that age of 55 (Mouth Cancer Foundation, 2023). Unfortunately, oral cancer is often detected at a late stage, making it difficult to treat. That's why it's important to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, as well as the importance of regular check-ups with your dentist. |
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| • | Sore on the lip or in mouth that doesn’t go away |
| • | Pain in the mouth that doesn’t go away |
| • | A lump that doesn’t heal |
| • | Pain or difficulty swallowing |
| • | Red or white patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth |
| • | Persistent sore throat or hoarseness |
| • | Voice change |
| • | Trouble moving the jaw or tongue |
| • | Numbness of the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth |
| • | Swelling or pain in the jaw |
| • | Dentures that start to fit poorly or become uncomfortable |
| • | Loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth |
| • | Weight loss |
| • | Pain in the ear (American Cancer Society, 2023) |
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Many factors will put you at increased risk of developing oral cancer. They are: |
| • | Tobacco use (smoking or chewing) |
| • | Alcohol use |
| • | Family history of cancer |
| • | Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) |
| • | Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds can cause cancer of the lip (Health Resources & Services Administration, 2023). |
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The key to prevention is to avoid tobacco use, alcohol use and a focus on oral health. Oral health is the health of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, throat, and the bones around the mouth. Maintaining good oral health affects your well-being and quality of life in many ways. Proper oral health includes brushing your teeth, flossing and checking in with your dentist for regular visits. Another key prevention tool is HPV vaccination. HPV is strongly associated with oropharyngeal cancers, especially those at the back of the mouth (Rush, 2022). The HPV vaccination is a series of two scheduled vaccines for those age 11 and up. |
In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, the Jackson College Health Clinic encourages you to share this information with your friends and family. By raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, we can help save lives.
Remember the cornerstone to prevention is regular oral health maintenance with a dentist. The Jackson College central campus has the Jackson College Health Clinic as well as the Dental Clinic on site, please visit their website for further information on services provided to meet your oral health care needs. |
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