You don’t have to be old and unhealthy to be at risk. Oral cancer is typically associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and older age. Many people are surprised to find out that, due to the connection to the HPV virus, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy individuals.
Decrease your risk:
- Quit all tobacco use. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco can cause cancers anywhere in the mouth or throat, as well as cancers in other parts of the body.
- Reduce alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing oral cancer. Approximately 7 out of 10 patients with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.
- Avoid HPV. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually-transmitted disease that is linked to oral cancer. The number of oral cancers linked to HPV has risen dramatically over the past few decades. Prevent HPV with HPV vaccinations and typical STD preventative measures.
Early detection is key. Oral cancer’s high death rates are not because it is difficult to diagnose, but because it’s typically discovered late in its development. Visit your dentist on a regular basis (we recommend every six months) to be screened for oral cancer symptoms.
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