• 4/24/2004
  • MONTREAL,Canada
  • CNW Telbec

Although it is one of the deadliest cancers and kills almost one Quebecer every day, 61% of people still know little about oral cancer. In addition, 20% of those surveyed were unable to name a single possible cause of the disease, and 36% named other causes, probably incorrect ones. These were the findings of a huge survey of 1,000 adult Quebecers by the SOM-R firm, commissioned by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ), and conducted from March 24 to 31 this year.

“It just goes to show that we have to make an effort to inform people about this disease,” said Dr. Robert Salois, ODQ President, who was attending a screening clinic held today at Carrefour Laval. The ODQ and members of dental societies have been holding all sorts of oral cancer awareness and screening activities across the province, in fact, since early April.

Causes that could be better known

Aside from a general lack of knowledge about oral cancer, Quebecers are ill informed about its causes. It seems that 63% of those surveyed mentioned smoking as the main cause, 7% cited poor nutrition, 6% said alcohol, and 36% gave other causes. One person in five (20%) was unable to name a single cause.

The ODQ reminds everyone that heavy smoking and drinking are the main risk factors for oral cancer. Although separately they can both cause this type of cancer, when combined they multiply the risk. “A heavy smoker is 18 times more likely to develop oral cancer than a non-smoker and, if he also drinks heavily, the risk climbs to 80 times,” explained Dr. Salois.

Who can detect the disease and how

When asked which health professional was best placed to detect this disease, 39% of people said their doctor, and 35%, their dentist. Another 15% mentioned other professionals, and 11% did not know.
Finally, 56% of those queried said they knew that dentists can detect oral cancer through a clinical examination during a routine check-up. “I myself have detected three cases of oral cancer and saved three patients’ lives,” said Dr. Salois.

Early detection can save lives

According to the National Cancer Institute of Canada, there were 730 new cases of oral cancer in Quebec in 2003, leading to some 300 deaths. The ODQ reminds everyone that prevention and early detection remain the best weapons in combating oral cancer. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival. Eight people out of ten survive more than five years after a diagnosis of oral cancer if it is detected early, as compared with only two out of ten if it is discovered at an advanced stage.

The ODQ would also like people to be better informed about the early warning signs of oral cancer. The most common are sores or ulcers in the mouth that have not healed after more than two weeks, growths on the lip, and a red or white spot on the gums, tongue or edge of the lip. If you have any of these signs, you should see a health professional straight away.