Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is far more than just a charity campaign. It’s a charity campaign that makes a difference in helping to save thousands of lives through early detection and prevention of oral cancer or oral cavity cancer. The goal of Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is all about raising awareness and it is through this awareness that individuals get to know all about mouth cancer.
What is Mouth Cancer?
Mouth Cancer is a form of cancer that affects the mouth. We have all heard of other cancers that afflict other parts of the body such as the breasts, lungs, and colon for example. However, not many have heard of mouth cancer, and that is the purpose of Mouth Cancer Awareness Month to educate as many people as possible on the subject of this disease. Mouth Cancer affects not just the interior of the mouth. It can also affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Anyone out there can get this form of cancer. It doesn’t matter if you have teeth or not. However, mouth cancers are more common in those, who are over 40.
What causes Mouth Cancer?
A lot of mouth cancer cases such as these are tied to those who use tobacco and alcohol. However, mouth cancer is also linked to the HPV virus, and HPV can also cause cervical cancer and afflict the skin that belongs to moist areas of the body. It can also be spread by oral sex. Nonetheless, mouth cancer can just happen too, as well.
What are some symptoms associated with Mouth Cancer?
Cancer of the mouth can appear in many different forms. They can also affect various parts of the body from the lips to the tongue to the mouth itself. A mouth cancer can show up as being a mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal or as a red or white patch within the interior of the oral cavity. It can also be as a lump or swelling.
How does one help to prevent Mouth Cancer in themselves?
The answer is this. You need to not do excessive smoking, tobacco chewing, or drinking. These bad habits can indeed encourage mouth cancers to occur. Secondly, make sure to be mouth aware, and that means to know your mouth intimately. If you notice any changes in your mouth, get it checked out immediately, as it is better to be safe than sorry.
How can your dentist help?
Your dentist is interested not only in your teeth. He or she checks the general appearance and health of your oral tissues as part of a regular examination and looks for any changes or abnormalities in your mouth. They won’t be able to diagnose cancer, however they can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation. Schedule an appointment today if you have any concerns with your oral health.
