Oral Cancer Awareness

Oral cancer refers to cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. According to Canadian Cancer Statistics, approximately 3 people will die every day from oral cancer in Canada. If oral cancer is detected early, treatment can be very successful.
Get the Facts. Reduce your Risk. Know What to Look For.

Did You Know?

Get the Facts:

  • Fastest growing new oral cancer cases are in a younger, sexually active male or female who often does not smoke or have any of the typical risk factors.
  • Oral cancer can be sexually transmitted by the human papilloma virus – HPV - the fastest growing sexually transmitted infection.
  • There are 3X as many cases of oral cancer to cervical cancer.
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The Good News

You Can Reduce the Risk:

  • Eliminate use of tobacco products and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid combination of tobacco and alcohol.
  • Eat a well balanced diet.
  • Avoid unprotected exposure to the sun.
  • Limit number of sexual partners to reduce risk of getting the HPV infection.
  • Have regular dental hygiene visits including oral cancer screenings.

What to Look For?

  • Red or white patch in the mouth.
  • Lump or thickening of tissue in the mouth, neck or face.
  • Sore in the mouth that bleeds easily or does not heal within 14 days.
  • Numbness in the mouth or face.
  • Persistent earache in only one side.
  • Sore under a denture or appliance that does not heal.
  • Hoarse throat that lasts for a long period of time.
  • Pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking, chewing or moving the jaw or tongue.
  • Wart-like masses inside the mouth.

 

Self-Examination

CDHA is extremely proud to partner with the Oral Cancer Foundation and the American Dental Hygienists Association on the #checkyourmouth campaign. http://checkyourmouth.org. To learn more, visit the website, read these great articles by CDHA members Jo-Anne Jones and Alexandra Sheppard, and watch this video with an important reminder from Jo-Anne of the importance of self-examination and the subtle signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Related Content

Early Detection is Key

This is Baseline Village Dental Hygiene (owned by CDHA member Candice Boyce) client Brian's story about his journey with oral cancer." "Because I was frightened, I didn't go to the dentist anywhere near as often as I should. Maybe if I had, the outcome would have been different. Don't be afraid of finding out what's wrong, be more afraid of not finding out."

How to reduce the risk of oral cancer

Oral cancer is now the 13th most common type of cancer in Canada. Smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure to the lips, and HPV are all known risk factors, most of which are preventable. So by modifying our lifestyle choices, we can certainly reduce the risks.

Source: News Canada

 
Disclaimer

All content within this area is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the expert advice of your own dental hygienist, dentist, or other health care professional. CDHA is not responsible or liable for any self-diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. CDHA is not liable for the content of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own healthcare provider if you are in any way concerned about your health.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnabeg Nation as the traditional owners and guardians of the lands of the CDHA national office.

Nigì kikenindànànàn iyo nìgànì ondamitàwini wìbidikewogamig padakising Màmìwininì Anishinàbeg odakìwàng neyàgadawendamòdjig kaye ega wìkàd kàmìgiwewàdj iyo akì.

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