Mouth cancer (Part 2)

WE FEATURED mouth cancer in a detailed manner in the last column because of dire statistics.

In 2017, according to the World Health Organization, oral cancer deaths in the Philippines reached 3,297 or 0.53 percent of total deaths. The age adjusted death rate is 4.75 per 100,000 of population; that ranks the Philippines No. 45 in the world.

A new report looking into mouth cancer in the United Kingdom reveals a dangerous and widespread lack of awareness about the disease. The report observes a “severe” lack of awareness and that many people in the UK do not know what oral cancer is; I’m wondering how many Filipinos are indeed aware of oral cancer.

The UK’s first State of Mouth Cancer Report highlights the spike in the number of mouth cancer cases. It observes that most of Her Majesty the Queen’s loyal subjects are not aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the disease.  

The eye-opening report shows nearly 8,300 people-a-year are now diagnosed with mouth cancer – a 49 percent increase compared to about 10 years ago.

Nearly half (45 percent) of British adults admit to not having any understanding about mouth cancer.  Three in four (75 percent) say they do not know the symptoms while more than four in five (82 percent) do not know where mouth cancer appears.

Published by the Oral Health Foundation and Simplyhealth Professionals, the report shows a “severe lack of awareness” regarding the major risk factors of mouth cancer.

The report “highlights the need for greater awareness of mouth cancer,” says Dr. Nigel Carter,  Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation.

Among the report’s key findings: new cases of mouth cancer in the UK has increased by 135 percent compared with 20 years ago. Over half or 56 percent of mouth cancers appear on the tongue and tonsils.The survival rate depends on where the cancer strikes and how early it is diagnosed.

Almost nine in 10 British adults have now heard of mouth cancer. However, less than one in 10 are confident about their knowledge of the disease. Three in four, for example, do not know the major signs and symptoms for mouth cancer.

“It is so important to understand what is most likely to put us at risk, how we can spot mouth cancer, and where we can go if we see anything out of the ordinary,” says Dr. Carter.

Smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol to excess, the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV (transmitted through oral sex) and poor diet are the leading causes of the disease in the UK.

“It is important to know how and where mouth cancer can appear and to be alert to any changes in and around the mouth,” says Dr. Catherine Rutland, Head of Professional Support Services at Simplyhealth Professionals.

The early warning signs of mouth cancer are mouth ulcers that last longer than three weeks, red or white patches and unusual lumps and swellings. The disease can appear in the mouth, lips, head and neck.

“Regular dental visits remain crucial to spotting mouth cancer early, as your dentist will examine you for mouth cancer during every routine appointment,” says Dr. Rutland.

“However, being vigilant in between appointments and checking your own mouth will also help to find any early signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the signs, make an appointment with your dentist who will be able to examine you further. Mouth cancer is beatable, but we have to act quickly.  An early diagnosis is vital and can not only save a life but can also improve quality of life.”

“It is extremely concerning to see the lack of basic knowledge about the disease, especially as it continues to affect more people every year,” Dr. Carter says. “For so long, mouth cancer seems to have gone under the radar. It is now time for us to take notice and learn what we need to, so that we can help protect ourselves and others around us.”

It is also time for Filipinos to heed this advice./PN