symptoms

Impact of cancer screening in California over past 15 years

Source: www.sciencedaily.com Author: University of California - Davis Health System A new report from the UC Davis Institute for Population Health Improvement (IPHI) shows the impact of cancer screening over the past 15 years, identifying areas where increased screening and other cancer-control efforts would save lives and significantly benefit population health. The CalCARES report uses heat maps to show areas with higher proportions of particular cancers diagnosed at a late stage, pointing to a need for increased screening. The CalCARES report uses heat maps to show areas with higher proportions of particular cancers diagnosed at a late stage, pointing to a need for increased screening. "We have effective screening tests for several cancers, which allow physicians and other health-care providers to identify the disease at an earlier stage -- often before symptoms surface -- when treatment is more likely to result in a cure," said senior author of the report and IPHI Director Kenneth W. Kizer. "However, too many Californians are not getting screened and, as a result, many persons are not being diagnosed until their cancers have progressed to an advanced stage. "With cancer now surpassing heart disease as the leading cause of death in California and 22 other states, we need to increase cancer screening efforts to save lives," he said. IPHI's California Cancer Reporting and Epidemiologic Surveillance (CalCARES) Program works in partnership with the California Department of Public Health to manage the day-to-day operations of the California Cancer Registry (CCR), the state mandated population-based cancer surveillance system. [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2016-09-05T06:36:46-07:00September, 2016|Oral Cancer News|

No definite symptom index for recurrence in head and neck cancer, small study suggests

Source: Author: In patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), there was no definite index of symptoms that indicated local recurrence or second primary malignancy in a small Taiwanese study published online ahead of print in Head & Neck.1 In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, there was no definite index of symptoms to indicate recurrence or second malignancy. Pei-Hsuan Lin, MD, and fellow researchers from the National Taiwan University examined 136 patients with HNSCC who were diagnosed between January 2010 and June 2014, 32 of whom had local recurrence and 14 of whom had second primary malignancy. “The purposes of this study were to identify an index of symptoms and signs of swallowing disorders that indicate the occurrence of local recurrence or second primary malignancy,” the authors noted. They found that common swallowing disorders and objective transnasal esophagoscopy findings were similar between patients with and without local recurrence or second primary malignancy. “Routine transnasal esophagoscopy examination of patients treated for HNSCC with swallowing disorders is strongly recommended,” the authors concluded. Reference: Lin P-H, Wang C-P, Lou P-J, et al. Evaluation of swallowing disorders by use of transnasal esophagoscopy in patients treated for head and neck cancer. [published online ahead of print September 2, 2015]. Head Neck. doi: 10.1002/hed.24174.

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2015-09-23T07:32:26-07:00September, 2015|Oral Cancer News|

Survey reveals most are unaware of the causes and symptoms of mouth cancer

Source: www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk Author: staff A survey has revealed that most people are unaware of the major risk factors and symptoms of oral cancer. The SimplyHealth Annual Dental Health Survey revealed that of the 11,785 adults surveyed, 70 percent were unaware of the symptoms of mouth cancer while only 3 percent knew that kissing could increase your risk of moth cancer as a result of exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV). A spokesperson for SimplyHealth said that most were aware that smoking and drinking increased the risk of oral cancer, but very few people were aware of the link between oral cancer and the HPV, a virus which is also responsible for some cases of cervical cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, some strains of HPV increase the risk of mouth cancer, which could explain why the disease is becoming more common in young people, as the virus is spread through physical contact. Dentist Michael Thomas said that it was important for people to be aware of the symptoms of mouth cancer, as well as the causes. As with most forms of cancer, the earlier mouth cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival. Only 28 percent of adults surveyed had discussed mouth cancer with their dentist and this is worrying, as dentists are in a prime position to spot the early warning signs and arrange further tests and treatment. The most common symptoms of mouth cancer include lumps or swellings in the mouth or throat, sores or ulcers [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2012-04-30T12:19:01-07:00April, 2012|Oral Cancer News|

Men in doubt still don’t get checked out!

Source: www.easier.com Author: staff Men are almost twice as likely to die from mouth cancer and statistics consistently show they are less likely to consult with a doctor than their female counterparts. But with rates of incidence and mortality rising at an incredible rate, men can no longer afford to ignore the increasing threat of a killer disease. Mouth cancer cases in the UK have almost doubled in the last decade, rising to 6,000 every year with almost 4,000 of those coming from men and although there are some clear early warning signs many postpone seeking professional advice, leaving fatality rates of the disease at 50 per cent. This is supported by data from the Office of National Statistics, which reveals that women are twice as likely to see their GP as men, visiting the doctors an average of six times a year compared to just three for men. Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, puts this failing down to a lack of general cancer health knowledge in men and warns that ignoring the issue can lead to severe problems in future. Dr Carter said: "For almost all types of cancer, men will die more often than women. There's no biological reason that this should be the case so the reason must be purely down to the timing of diagnosis. Unfortunately, when men do go to their GP their condition may be at a far more advanced stage and therefore much more difficult to treat. [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2011-11-27T14:52:41-07:00November, 2011|Oral Cancer News|

Mouth cancer patients ‘ignore’ symptoms

Source: www.dentistry.co.uk Author: staff Many mouth cancer sufferers ignore the first symptoms of the disease and do not seek the advice of a healthcare professional during the early stages – the results of a new study have shown. The research, which interviewed relatively young mouth cancer patients in Scotland, found that most had heard of oral cancer but they didn't think their symptoms were indicative of the life-threatening illness. Furthermore, 40% of participants decided to self manage their symptoms and sought over-the-counter treatments which were suggested by a pharmacist. Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter says the study further confirms gaps in understanding and awareness of oral cancer. Dr Carter explains: 'Public awareness of oral cancer and the associated risk factors appears to be too low here in the UK. 'An awareness of the risk factors and symptom recognition by the public is a critical issue in determining survival rates, as early detection greatly improves the chances of survival.' Almost 9% of patients who were interviewed had a prior knowledge of oral cancer and the causes such as tobacco and alcohol. However, this prior knowledge was neither instrumental for them to suspect they may have mouth cancer nor did it prompt them to visit a healthcare professional in the first place. None of the interviewees thought it would happen to them. A third of interviewees mentioned their first sign as some kind of 'lump', a few described a ‘white spot' ‘mark' or ‘patch' and two [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-06-07T14:58:03-07:00June, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Tongue cancer symptoms: soreness, spots & swellings

Source: www.dentistry.com Author: staff Tongue cancer normally occurs in the squamous, or skin cells. Symptoms of tongue cancer either in the front or middle of your tongue makes it oral cancer - if they're at the base of your tongue it comes under the heading of throat or oropharyngeal cancer. When looking for tongue cancer symptoms, watch out for the following persistent signs: • Red, pink, grey or white spots on tongue • Sore spots on tongue • Leukoplakia or erythroplakia on tongue • Sore throat • Pain when swallowing • Mouth numbness • Unexplained bleeding of tongue • Pain in the ear (very rare) • Changes in your voice • Tongue swelling Red, Pink, Grey or White Spots on Tongue - These symptoms of tongue cancer start small and may look like canker sores, especially if they occur in other places in your mouth. Canker sores tend to go away in a week or two. White spots on tongue might also indicate oral thrush or hairy tongue, but you'll be able to gently scrape these off yourself. Remember, persistency is one of the main factors for symptoms of tongue cancer, along with tongue pain. Leukoplakia & Erythroplakia - These are products of uncontrolled cell growth, one of the very definitions of cancer. But figuring out if they are actual tongue cancer symptoms or just irritations from your dental work depends on a biopsy. They might also be pre-cancerous, so it's best to see your dentist about these swelling or [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-05-15T14:11:16-07:00May, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Free screening for head and neck cancer

Source: www.komu.com Author: Alyson Myles Doctors examined hundreds of Mid-Missourians at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center today. The free cancer screenings were a part of national Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. The screenings were a part of a walk-in clinic, so appointments were not necessary. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 50,000 Americans have some form of head or neck cancer. Ear, nose and throat doctor at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Jeff Jorgensen said 85% of of head and neck cancers are related to tobacco use. "The bottom line is we are trying to get people to stop smoking. And stop using any tobacco products for that matter," Jorgensen said. Norman Larson was one of the 150 people who attended the screening. He was a smoker during his young adult life, but was not concerned that he had cancer. He came to the screening because he was in Columbia visiting his mother. "It was more curiosity than anything. Any sort of screening I think is a good idea espcially if it finds something early," Larson said. If a doctor did find anything suspicious during the screenings, the patient could make an appointment to come in for a more thorough exam. Some symptoms of head and neck cancer are: * A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or increases in size * Persistent pain in your mouth * Lumps or white, red or dark patches in your mouth * Thickening of your cheek * Difficulty chewing or swallowing [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2010-04-18T06:44:01-07:00April, 2010|Oral Cancer News|

Understanding the link between HPV and oropharyngeal cancers

Source: www.jaapa.com (Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, October, 2009) Authors: Denise Rizzolo, PA-C, PhD, Mona Sedrak, PA-C, PhD Head and neck cancer is diagnosed in approximately 650,000 patients each year worldwide.1 The term head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, oral cavity (mouth), nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. Oropharyngeal refers to all the structures of the mouth and pharynx, including the tonsils and tongue. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer.2 Seventy-five percent of all OSCCs are attributable to tobacco and alcohol use.3 People who smoke cigarettes are 4 times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. Furthermore, individuals who consume alcohol are 3 times more likely than nondrinkers to develop oral cancer.3 According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the prevalence of cigarette smoking has decreased among Americans, and alcohol use has also declined since the 1970s.4,5 However despite this, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers, including cancer of the base of the tongue and tonsils, has increased, especially in younger patients. These trends have led researchers to investigate other potential risk factors.6-8 New studies suggest that there may be an alternative pathway for the development of oropharyngeal cancers. The high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially type 16 (HPV-16), are now thought to be potential etiologic agents.2,3 The concept that HPV plays a role in head and neck [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-10-06T22:00:20-07:00October, 2009|Oral Cancer News|

The oral cancer battle

Source: www.ladowntownnews.com Author: Beth Dunham As people look for ways to cut corners and save money in this time of economic uncertainty, healthcare sometimes takes a back seat to other expenses — putting lives at risk. A visit to the dentist is crucial and could mean the difference between life and death; someone in the United States dies of oral cancer nearly every hour, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Early detection is crucial in the fight against oral cancer, an aggressive, deadly disease that hasn’t seen the same improvements in survival rates as other cancers, said Parish Sedghizadeh of the USC School of Dentistry. “Oral cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among cancers,” said Sedghizadeh, assistant professor of clinical dentistry at USC. “It’s usually not noticed until the later stages, when a recovery is less likely. People have heard of oral cancer, but they don’t know what it looks like.” The disease rarely causes pain or other noticeable symptoms until it reaches a very advanced stage, he said. And while many people stay vigilant for the symptoms of more common cancers, dental care access challenges and a lack of oral cancer education means that most patients don’t know the early signs of oral cancer. “Oral cancer will often start as a small red or white plaque or sore that doesn’t go away with time, unlike other normal mouth, tongue, or lip sores that usually heal within a week or so,” Sedghizadeh said. Even if the disease is [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2009-04-27T05:43:46-07:00April, 2009|OCF In The News, Oral Cancer News|

Younger people suffering from mouth cancer

Source: www.rochdaleonline.co.uk Author: staff People in their 20s are being urged to look out for the symptoms of mouth cancer. The disease is usually found in older people who have smoked and drunk alcohol over a long period of time. Now mouth cancer specialists are reporting cases of people in their 20s and 30s with non-healing ulcers, white and red patches or a lump, which are all possible signs and symptoms of the disease. Mr Andrew Baldwin, a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, believes that there is still a lack of awareness about mouth cancer in the general population. “People who smoke and drink alcohol for a number of years tend to be those who suffer the most from mouth cancer. However, in the last few years we have seen a minority of people in their mid 20’s developing the disease. There can also be other causes so people who don’t necessarily smoke and drink heavily but have the symptoms should not dismiss mouth cancer.” Mr Robert Woodwards, a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, insists early detection of the disease prevents people from being permanently disfigured. “Whilst typically associated with smoking and drinking can be related to other causes and the key to a successful outcome for treatment for mouth cancer is to catch the disease when it is early and the lesion is small. “Smaller mouth cancers are much easier to treat and the results of surgery can be limited so that alteration in a patient’s appearance is not [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-11-12T08:19:14-07:00November, 2008|Oral Cancer News|