ORAL CANCER IS A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE AND CAN BE DEADLY

 

Oral cancer means cancers of the oral cavity such gums, lips, tongue, lining inside the cheeks and lips, and in the back of your mouth and throat. 

 

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2023, an estimated:

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• 7,900 Canadians will be diagnosed with Head and Neck cancer;

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• 2,130 Canadians will die from Head and Neck cancer;

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• 5,800 men will be diagnosed with Head and Neck cancer and 1,550 will die from it;

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• 2,100 women will be diagnosed with Head and Neck cancer and 580 will die from it.

 

The head and neck cancer numbers include oral cavity cancer.

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ORAL CANCER SCREENING IS PAINLESS AND QUICK

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As part of visiting us for your check-up, a normal procedure can be to complete your oral cancer screening. During this time, we will examine your face, neck, lips and the interior of your mouth for any indications that cancerous cells may be developing. Oral cancer is relatively easy to beat, provided it is identified early. Our dentists at Dunwin Dental are firm believers that regular testing is important, even for those who lack any notable risk factors. This test will comprise a part of your normal twice a year visit to our dental office. It is painless and takes only a few minutes. We will refer you to a specialist if there’s a need to check your pharynx.​

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SHOULD I GET ORAL CANCER SCREENING DONE?

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If you have any of the following symptoms and they last for more than 2 weeks:

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• A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat that does not heal;

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• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of your mouth;

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• A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in your throat;

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• Unusual bleeding, pain, tenderness or numbness in your mouth;

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• Hoarseness;

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• Difficulty or pain with chewing, swallowing, or speaking;

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• Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue;

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• Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth;

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• Swelling of the jaw. If you wear dentures, they have become uncomfortable or don’t fit right;

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• Ear pain and/or change in your voice;

 

you should immediately contact Dunwin Dental to book an appointment to see your dentist. You can reach us by:

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• Phone at 905-828-1120;

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• Email to info@dunwindental.com;

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• Submitting Contact Form; or

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• Visiting our office at 2318 Dunwin Drive, Suite 9, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C7.

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BENEFITS OF ORAL CANCER SCREENING

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Performing regular oral cancer screenings gives a better chance of catching this condition during its earliest stages. When caught early, there is a significantly greater chance of treating oral cancer successfully, saving the patient and limiting the amount of damage the condition can do. While regular screenings are good for everyone, those who have high-risk factors are the most likely to benefit.

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WHO IS AT RISK OF ORAL CANCER?

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Anyone can get oral cancer. Those who have one or more of the following factors are considered to be at greater risk of oral cancer: 

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• Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Any kind of tobacco use, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chew snuff, dips, vaping, etc. Significant alcohol use. Using tobacco and alcohol poses a much greater risk than using either substance alone

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• History: Any previous diagnosis of oral cancer

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• Sun Exposure: Spending a significant time exposing their face to the sun, a cause of lip cancer

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• Age and Gender: The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age and is greatest after 45 years of age. Oral cancer often occurs in people aged 65 – 74 years and affects way more men than women (almost 2.75 times)

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Incidents of oral cancer have been increasing in recent years, though research has yet to find a cause. There appears to be some connection between cases of HPV (Human papillomavirus) and oral cancer, but further studies are required.​