Take positive steps to avoid mouth cancer

In our previous article this month we took a look at the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer. In this article we’ll look at the risk factors involved in many mouth cancer cases.  Once you know the risk factors, you can make positive changes to your lifestyle to reduce the possibility of being diagnosed with mouth cancer, and that can only be a good thing.Smoking increases your risk factor by ten times, this includes cigars, pipes and, of course cigarettes. Another reason to become a non-smoker. Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 14 units per week) is linked to a third of mouth cancer cases. If you’re not sure how many units on average you are drinking each week you can check on the NHS website. You can make oral sex safer by using a condom on a man’s penis. It acts as a barrier between the mouth and the penis. A dam (a square of very thin, soft plastic) across a woman’s genitals can also protect against infection. Chewing tobacco and smokeless tobacco is also a cause of mouth cancer. A third of all mouth cancer cases are linked to a poor diet and lack of vitamins and minerals so try to eat a balanced diet and supplement this with a vitamin and mineral supplement if needed. Avoid excessive UV light such as sunbathing or sunbeds as this is a known cause skin cancer and this can develop on the lips. People who have had mouth cancer previously are at a greater risk of the cancer returning. Those who have had oesophagal cancer, skin, cervical, penile or anal cancer are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with mouth cancer. There is a slight increase in the risk factor of mouth cancer if you have a close relative who has developed it. Links have also been found for those with genetic conditions affecting the bone marrow, skin or fingernails. Those people undergoing treatment for HIV or AIDS and those taking medication after an organ transplant are also at a greater risk. Self-examination and regular dental visits can help ensure that any changes are noted and any mouth cancer diagnosis happens quickly. The speedy diagnosis of mouth cancer is the key to beating the disease and long term success rates.  If you have any concerns regarding your smile or changes in your mouth then contact us and arrange a visit. We’re here to help.