Worried About Oral Cancer?
According to the American Cancer
Society, over 35,000 Americans have oral cancer. The risks are higher if you
are a male, over the age of 35, or have a history of other cancers, but there
are some lifestyle habits that increase anyone's risk, and some steps you can
take:
- Don't use tobacco.
Up to 90% of patients with oral cancers use tobacco, and the risk
increases with the amount smoked or chewed. Quitting smoking and chewing
tobacco will lower your risk, even after years of use.
- Moderate your drinking. About 75% to 80% of all patients with oral cancer
drink alcohol frequently.
- Limit your exposure to sunlight. More than 30% of patients with cancers of the lip have
outdoor jobs associated with prolonged and repeated exposure to sunlight.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A diet low in the natural antioxidants fresh produce
provides is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the
oral cavity.
- Know the signs.
If you have a sore in your mouth that doesn't heal easily or is always
bleeding, or a persistent pain in the mouth or ear, see your dentist or
physician immediately. Early detection and treatment increases chances of
recovery.
- A cup of joe?
In 2012, the American Cancer Society found a link between drinking coffee
and reduced risk of death from oral/pharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancer. It showed drinking more than 4 cups of caffeinated
coffee a day cut the likelihood of dying from oral/pharyngeal cancer in
half. However, I don't recommend drinking coffee if you don't enjoy it, or
dislike the effect it has on your nervous system or digestion.
Thank you !
Dr. Weil for your
informative oral cancer
information!
