Oral Cancer Awareness: Protecting Your Health with Early Detection

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a serious condition that can affect various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. While it may not receive as much attention as other types of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.

In Australia, oral cancer is a growing concern. According to recent statistics, approximately 4,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, and sadly, about 1,000 Australians lose their lives to this disease annually. These numbers highlight the importance of awareness and regular screenings.

Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors associated with oral cancer can help you take proactive steps to protect your health. Some common risk factors include:

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Prolonged sun exposure (particularly affecting the lips)
• Poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
• Age (most cases occur in people over 40)
• Gender (men are slightly more at risk than women)

It’s important to note that while these factors can increase your risk, oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle.

Signs and Symptoms

Being aware of the potential signs and symptoms of oral cancer is crucial for early detection. Some common indicators include:

• Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Lumps or thickening of the cheeks
• Persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly
• Chronic bad breath

If you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with us at Beecroft Smiles for a thorough examination.

Importance of Regular Screenings

At Beecroft Smiles, we believe in the power of prevention and early detection. That’s why we include oral cancer screenings as part of our routine dental check-ups. These screenings are quick, painless, and could potentially save your life.

During a screening, our experienced dentists will:

1. Visually examine your face, neck, lips, and mouth for any abnormalities
2. Feel for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in the head, cheeks, jaw, and oral cavity
3. Look for any sores or discoloured tissue in your mouth
4. Use specialised tools, such as the VELscope, to detect any suspicious areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye

The VELscope is an advanced technology that uses a special light to identify abnormal tissue that might be missed during a regular visual exam. This non-invasive procedure takes only a few minutes and significantly enhances our ability to detect potential issues early.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes

While regular screenings are crucial, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of oral cancer:

• Quit smoking and avoid all tobacco products
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure with SPF lip balm
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly
• Visit Beecroft Smiles for regular check-ups and cleanings