ORAL CANCER ON THE RISE IN VICTORIA

According to Dental Health Services Victoria oral cancer is on the rise in Victoria.

Further: Oral cancer (including oropharyngeal cancer) is a significant cause of disease burden in Victoria, with an average of 14 new diagnoses and five deaths a week. Oral cancer is often diagnosed late, resulting in a relative five-year survival rate of just 66%.

Who is most at risk?

Oral cancer is the 9th most common cancer in Victorian men and the 16th in Victorian women. Tobacco and alcohol consumption cause three in four cases of oral cancer; and over 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Incidence is higher in people over 45, especially men, and disadvantaged groups, who are more likely to smoke or drink and have poorer access to dental care. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher rates of oral cancer...

Early detection saves lives

Opportunistic screening is the best way to detect oral cancer early. Oral cancer screening by an oral health professional takes only a short time and is an integral element of routine care. Every patient should be screened regularly, not just those at higher risk. “With earlier diagnosis, a person’s treatment and prognosis can be enormously improved,” says Michael McCullough, Professor of Oral Medicine at the University of Melbourne."

Oral cancer is frequently discovered in the tongue, lips, cheeks and floor of the mouth and is mostly caused by smoking. Look out for white patches in the mouth, sores and ulcers that do not heal within 2 weeks, a lump or thickening in the cheek, red or white patches in the mouth, difficultly chewing or swallowing, difficulty moving the tongue or jaw, numbness in any part of the mouth and swelling of the jaw making dentures uncomfortable recommends the DHSV.

Alcohol consumption and excessive sun exposure to the lips are also factors.

The DHSV further recommends that eating well to improve your general health, and reduce the risk of oral cancers, frequent brushing and flossing of teeth and drinking plenty of fluoridated tap water decreases the risk of oral cancer. 

General oral hygiene is an especially important consideration which should not be ignored.

Dr T. S. Saw OAM

Wheelers Hill Dental