Public/Consumer Information

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Oral Cancer Facts

Oral or pharyngeal (throat) cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated
      30,000-40,000 Americans this year, and cause approximately 8,000 deaths.
      Oral cancer kills more people nationwide than either cervical cancer or       melanoma (skin cancer). Currently only half of all diagnosed with oral cancer       survive more than five years.

The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 45.

This is the sixth most common cancer in the world, and it accounts
      for about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed.

Men are affected two to six times as frequently as women.

African American males are at the highest risk, with an
      incidence rate of 20.4 per 100,000.

The primary causes for oral cancer are tobacco products,
      alcohol and particularly the combination of heavy tobacco and
      alcohol use. (Still more than 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not
      smoke and have no other risk factor.

Smokeless tobacco use may increase the risk for oral cancer four times.

Oral Cancer Screening

In addition to regular check-ups, you can perform a self-examination to look for early warning signs. Basically, look for anything out of the ordinary-particularly anything that does not heal or go away in two weeks, or that has recently changed. Discuss it with your oral health professional or physician.

A monthly self-exam to check for warning signs of oral cancer should consist of the following:

Look at and feel your:

1. Head and neck - look at your face and neck in a mirror.
    Normally, the left and right sides of the face have the same
    shape and are symmetrical. Look for any lumps, bumps,
    or swellings that are only on one side of your face.

2. Face - examine the skin on your face for changes in color
    or size, sores, moles, or growths.

3. Neck - press along the sides and front of the neck for
    tenderness or lumps.

4. Lips - pull your lower lip down and look for sores or color
    changes. Then, use your thumb and forefinger to feel the lip
    for lumps, bumps, or changes in texture. Repeat this on your
    upper lip.

5. Cheek - examine your inner cheek for red, white, or dark
    patches. Put your index finger on the inside of your cheek and
    your thumb on the outside. Gently squeeze and roll both sides
   of your cheeks between your fingers to check for any lumps
   or areas of tenderness.

6. Roof of the mouth - tilt your head back and open your mouth
    wide to look for any lumps and see if the color is different
    from usual. Touch the roof of your mouth to feel for lumps.

7. Floor of the mouth and tongue - extend your tongue and
    look at the top surface for color and texture. Pull your tongue
    forward to look at both sides for any swellings or color changes.
    Examine the underside of the tongue by placing the tip of your
    tongue on the roof of your mouth. Look at the floor of your
    mouth and the underside of your tongue for color changes,
    and press your finger against the underside of your tongue
    to feel for any lumps or swellings.

If any of the above symptoms lasts for more than two weeks, see your dental health care provider or your physician as soon as possible. Harmful oral spots or sores often look identical to those that are harmless..testing can tell them apart. Testing can be performed by two methods:

Brush Biopsy is a simple and painless test and can detect potentially dangerous cells when the disease is still at an early stage.
Scalpel Biopsy usually requires local anesthesia and is the method used when a very suspicious or dangerous type of lesion is noticed.

Early detection saves lives!

It is important to find oral cancer EARLY before it has time to spread. The survival rate is much better for those whose cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.

Additional information about other possible signs and symptoms,smoking cessation and spit tobacco can be found on the links below and further down this page.

Additional reading

Spit Tobacco: Know The Score

The Dangers of Dip and Chew: Myths and Truths

Spitting Into the Wind: The Facts About Dip and Chew

Treating Tobacco Dependency

Spit Tobacco: A Guide for Quitting

ADHA Establishes Tobacco Cessation Initiative

ADHA Ask, Advise, Refer Link

Of the 1.2 million Americans
diagnosed with Cancer each
year, approximately 400,000
will develop oral complica-
tions from their treatment.
All forms of cancer treatment,
including radiation,
chemotherapy and bone
marrow transplant, can cause complications that affect oral
health. In killing cancer cells,
treatment also may harm
normal cells. Healthy cells in
the mouth are particularly
vulnerable. Complications
can make it hard to eat
(which promotes poor nutri-
tion) talk and swallow, and
can increase the likelihood of infection.

How can oral complica-
tions affect my cancer treatment?

Oral complications of cancer treatment can be so debili-
tating that patients may
tolerate only lower, less effec-
tive doses of cancer drugs,
may postpone scheduled treatments, or may discon-
tinue the treatment entirely.
Oral complications also can
be the source of infections
that interfere with cancer
therapy and threaten patient survival.

What are the side effects of
cancer treatment?

• Dry mouth
• Increased tooth decay
• Loss of taste
• Infections
• Jaw stiffness
• Painful mouth and gums
• Burning, peeling or
  swelling tongue

Why should my dentist be
involved in my treatment
plan?

You may be surprised to learn
that your dentist is important
in your cancer treatment. If
you go to the dentist before
radiation begins, you can help prevent serious oral health
problems. Complications
often occur because a
patient’s mouth is not healthy
before cancer treatment
begins. Not all mouth prob-
lems can be avoided, but the
fewer oral complications you
have, the more likely that you
will stay on your treatment
schedule. You should see your dentist at least two weeks
before your first treatment. If
you have already started treat-
ment, see your dentist as soon
as possible.  

How can I keep my mouth healthy?

You can do a lot to protect
your oral health during
cancer treatment. The first
step is to see a dentist before
you start. Once treatment
begins, it is important to look
in your mouth every day for
sores and other changes. If
you find something unusual,
call your dentist immediately.
The following tips can help
prevent and treat a sore mouth:

• Keep your mouth moist.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Suck on ice chips.
• Use sugarless gum or
  sugar-free hard candy.
• Use a saliva substitute.

Clean your mouth, tongue
and gums:

• Brush your teeth, gums
  and tongue with an extra-
  soft toothbrush
  after every meal and at bedtime. If it hurts,
  soften the bristles with
  warm water.
• Use a fluoride tooth
  paste.
• Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol. Check
  the label for the list of ingredients.

• Floss gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.

• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water.

If your mouth is sore:

• Eat foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow.
• Take small bites of food, chew slowly and sip liquids.
• Avoid hard, crunchy and spicy foods, alcohol and tobacco.

Remember: See your dentist at least two weeks before beginning cancer treatment. It is crucial that your dentist is a well-informed member of your cancer treatment team. Working with your other health care providers, your dentist can help you avoid the painful oral complications that could cause you to discontinue your cancer therapy.