Source:  www.examiner.com
Author:  staff

“I am a non-smoker; I do not need to worry about Oral Cancer… right?”

Not exactly…

Oral Cancer is a debilitating and frightful disease that affects 34,000 new Americans each year. Approximately one person dies of oral cancer each hour and it is estimated that 8,000 will die this year. Of the 34,000 diagnosed in 2009, less than half will live to see 2014. The mortality rate of Oral Cancer is higher than that of Cervical, Testicular and Malignant Melanoma (Skin Cancer). Although Oral Cancer is not addressed as often as other forms of cancer, it is one of the most common malignancies worldwide.

Many associate Oral Cancer to tobacco use, which is the main risk factor along with excessive alcohol consumption. However, 25% of new Oral Cancer patients do not possess these risk factors. Because of the aggressive nature of the disease, early diagnosis is crucial. Therefore knowing all the risk factors will enable individuals to become proactive in their oral health.

Risk factors of Oral Cancer include:

  • Tobacco: Especially “chewing” tobacco, this is thought to contribute to Oral Cancers in the young (less than forty years of age).
  • Alcohol: Consuming three or more alcohol beverages per day increases your risk for Oral Cancer development.
  • Diabetes: It is thought that those individuals who are diabetic are at an increased risk because of  compromised immune systems.
  • Human Papilloma Virus: HPV-16 increases the risk for Oral Cancer (it is the same form of HPV that is responsible for Cervical Cancer development). Other viruses also contribute to the development of Oral Cancer including Herpes.
  • Age: Especially those individuals forty years of age or older (sixty and over are at a larger risk).
  • Genetics: Family history of Oral Cancer increases individuals risks, especially coupled with other risk factors (smoking, diabetes, etc.).
  • Daily oxidative stresses: Strain on tissues during normal daily activity (eating, drinking, etc.).
  • Low consumption of fruits and vegetables: This can contribute to low immunity, especially in the oral cavity (saliva).

Each of these risk factors will be addressed in more detail in later articles.

Although Oral Cancer is not as talked about as many other cancers, the number of individuals at risk is surprising. Many risk factors are beyond individuals’ control so it is important to become proactive and demand frequent screenings for any type of cancer, especially if at risk.

For more information on Oral Cancer, reference what you read here or make a donation please go to http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/