Oral cancer survivor describes her personal journey
One person dies every hour from oral cancer in the U.S. Almost 45,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2015. More than 40 percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer will die within 5 years and the incidence rate for oral cancer is three times greater than cervical cancer in the US.
Risk Factors for developing oral cancer include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive unprotected exposure to the sun, low intake of fruits and vegetables and use of betel nuts.
HP 16 is a viral infection with no outward symptoms that can lead to oral cancer.
Males are diagnosed with oral cancer more often than females. African Americans are diagnosed 2 to 1 over other races with oral cancer.
Signs and symptoms of oral cancer include the following:
1. often painless in early stages
2. Red and or white discolorations of the soft tissues of the mouth
3. Any sore which does not heal within 14 days
4. Prolonged hoarseness
5.A sensation that something is stuck in your throat
6. Numbness
7. Difficulty in swallowing
8. One-sided ear pain
9. A sore underneath a denture after adjustment that does not heal
7. Lump in mouth or on the neck
To prevent developing oral cancer, be aware of risk factors,
practice early detection by visiting a dentist annually who will screen for oral cancer exam.
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