PREVENTING ORAL CANCER
DENTISTS are playing an important – but often unsung – role in the early detection of oral cancers, according to the Australian Dental Association. It’s currently the seventh most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in Australia.
Dr Rory Greer, pictured, says signs of the cancer are often first detected by your dentist.
QUIT smoking, cut back on the booze and be sun smart to reduce your risk of cancer. It’s a message we’ve been told before, but it’s one we could do with hearing again.
This month, the Australian Dental Association is aiming to raise awareness of the role dentists play in the early detection and prevention of oral cancer.
According to the Australian Department of Health, oral cancer is currently the seventh most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the country. Although occurring in relatively small numbers, cases are on the rise, making it a disease that should be taken very seriously.
It can affect any part of the mouth including lips, gums, tongue, throat, inner lining of the cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth.
Signs are often first detected by your dentist. An annual or twice-yearly check-up could be the difference between picking up an abnormality early and getting it treated successfully, or letting oral cancer develop to an advanced stage.
“Dentists look for small colour and surface changes to the gums, cheeks and tongue,” according to Dr Rory Greer, a dentist at Wingewarra Dental.
“Ulcers which don’t appear to be healing are also signs of developing oral cancer,” he told Dubbo Photo News.
Federal government statistics indicate that in 2017 almost 5000 new cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in Australia, with 1026 people dying from a type of oral cancer the same year. Studies also suggest men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women, but older age plays a part as well.
Like with most cancers, the earlier oral cancer is picked up the better, as health studies have found that people with oral cancer typically have a survival rate of only 50 per cent over five years. A timely referral to medical professionals can greatly improve treatment success.
“Unfortunately, the majority of dental disease, including decay, gum disease and oral cancer, does not produce any significant pain or warning signs until very late. We therefore recommend yearly visits at least. This allows us to detect and treat the disease before it progresses,” Dr Greer said.
The major risk factors for oral cancer shouldn’t come as a surprise.
“Smoking and the consumption of alcohol are the most recognised risk factors. Recent studies have also shown that poor diet and a lack of brushing or flossing may increase a person’s risk,” Dr Greer said.
Unsafe exposure to UV rays via sunlight (mainly affecting your outer lips) can also play a part so be sure to put on sunscreening wear a hat.
Top 5 tips for better oral health
1. Thorough brushing at least twice a day
2. Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
3. Drink fluoridated water
4. Schedule annual visits to the dentist, especially for those with previous instances of decay and gum disease
5. Quit smoking