World Cancer Day - 4th February 2010
Thursday, 04, February 2010

The Dental Health Foundation is currently working in collaboration with the Dublin Dental School and Hospital and a patient led group, established in July 2009, on Mouth Cancer Awareness. This came about after Ms Lia Mills and Mr Ken Mulhall (Patients Group) voiced concerned about the lack of awareness amongst the public of Oral Cancer and the rise in the incidence of Mouth Cancer, especially amongst young people.

Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. Between the years 2000-2004 approximately 444 males and 171 females were diagnosed with mouth related cancers in Ireland (including Northern Ireland).

There is a lack of awareness amongst the public of Oral Cancer and the rise in the incidence of mouth related cancers, especially amongst young people.

Oral Cancer can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus and other sites located in the head and neck area.

Risk Factors
Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are linked with mouth related cancers.

Both smoking and drinking heavily can interact to give an even higher risk than either on their own. Alcohol's effect on the mouth may be the key to understanding how it works with tobacco to increase the risk of developing cancer. The dehydrating effect of alcohol on cell walls enhances the ability of tobacco carcinogens to permeate mouth tissues; additionally, nutritional deficiencies associated with heavy drinking can lower the body's natural ability to use antioxidants to prevent the formation of cancers.

There is also a possible link with human papillomavirus (HPV) and the increase of mouth cancer amongst young people.

Control Measures
Control of this disease is best achieved through preventative measures, particularly in the areas of tobacco control and alcohol abuse.
Other preventative measures are ensuring a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables.

Like Breast and Prostate Cancers, early detection of Mouth Cancer is of paramount importance, can save lives and reduce the need for extensive treatment. Early detection of mouth cancer can often lead to successful treatment of the disease.

Signs of Mouth Related Cancers

• an ulcer or sore in your mouth
  
• a red or white patch in your mouth
  
• an unexplained pain in your mouth or ear
  
• an unexplained lump in your neck
  
• a sore or painful throat
  
• a croaky voice or difficulty swallowing

See your doctor or dentist if any of these symptoms last longer than three weeks.

You may find the following links useful:

Irish Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ie/
Marie Keating Foundation http://www.mariekeating.ie/
World Health Organization http://www.who.int
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/