CANCER is preventable; that includes mouth cancer.
In fact, says the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS), four of 10 cancer cases in the country – including that of the oral cavity – can be prevented.
The 10 leading cancer sites among Filipino men (lung, liver, prostate, colon/rectum, leukemia, stomach, oral cavity, Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, nasopharynx, larynx) comprise nearly eight of 10 new cases – in that order. Among women, oral cavity is the last leading cancer site in terms in the number of cases after breast, cervix uteri, colon/rectum, lung, ovary, liver, thyroid, corpus uteri and leukemia.
Oral cancer can occur in any part of the mouth. The incidence rates rise steeply starting at age 55 among Filipino males, and at age 60 among females. The good news is the declining incidence rates observed in both sexes from 1980 to 2007.
The PCS says in a 2015 report that one (0.4 percent) out of 100 men and less than one (0.3 percent) out of 100 women would likely get oral cavity cancer before age 75. Less than one (0.2) out of 100 men and less than one (0.1) out of 100 women would have died from oral cavity cancer before age 75.
In 2015, cancer of the mouth was estimated to be the 11th most common site when both sexes are combined (2 percent), the 7th among men (3 percent) and the 10th among women (2 percent).
Oral cavity cancer is highly preventable. The causes: smoking, chewing betel nut (buyo), chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes with the lighted end inside the mouth. A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables increases risk. Avoidance and/or cessation of these unhealthy habits, and maintaining a healthy diet, will prevent oral cancer, the PCS recommends.
In the United States, the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is the major cause of mouth and throat cancer; indeed, it is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.
The HPV infects the mucous membranes, such as those covering the lining of the vagina, cervix, anus – as well as the mouth, tongue and throat – causing warts to appear in and around these tissues. The result: cervical cancer in women, penis cancer in men, and in both sexes some cancers of the anus and oropharyngeal located in the back of throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.
In the US, oropharyngeal cancers related to smoking and alcohol are on the decline while those caused by HPV are rising dramatically.
Back to oral cancer in general. Warning signals include a sore that does not heal or bleeds easily; a lump or thickening in the mouth; a reddish or whitish patch that persists. Difficulties in chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw are late manifestations.
Physicians and dentists have the opportunity, through oral examination, to see abnormal tissue changes and to detect oral cancer at an early stage. Annual oral examination starting at age 50 is recommended.
Early cancer of the oral cavity is curable. Surgery is the most accessible curative treatment. Small lesions will also be cured by radiotherapy. Advanced cases require effective, affordable health care that provides quality life to the patient./PN
Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
