Oral Cancers: Who’s At Risk? YOU ARE, SO CUT IT OUT!

Oncology is the study of cancer, its causes and treatments, and as a science, oncology has come a long way in a few short years. Today, the prognosis for those who are diagnosed with cancer of the lip, tongue, larynx and other parts of the mouth and throat, is better than ever.

Treatment options are more diverse, more precise and less invasive, meaning that those cancer survivors who receive this devastating diagnosis live longer, better, happier lives despite the fact that medical professionals still don’t understand why one person develops oral cancer while another remains cancer free.

However, we do know some things about oral cancer for fact. It’s a fact that these cancers are NOT contagious. You can’t “catch” cancer from someone who’s been diagnosed with the disease. We also know that certain lifestyle factors contribute to the likelihood of developing oral cancer and that, by changing these lifestyle habits, the risk of receiving that diagnosis diminish as you improve your health and the quality of your life and the lives of those closest to you.

Risk Factor #1: Up in Smoke

So, even though the exact cause of tongue cancer, mouth cancer, lip cancer and other forms of oral cancer may be unknown, the correlation between certain behaviors and oral cancer is clear,

The number one risk factor, according to oncology specialists, is tobacco in any and all forms. Smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes are known risk factors. In fact, tobacco is the number one known risk factor. Need another reason to kick a bad habit?

Okay. The longer you smoke, the more likely the chances of developing oral cancer. Simple as that.

Dipping snuff is also a known risk factor. Placing that “pinch” between cheek and gum not only causes a long list of dental problems (not to mention it’s just plain gross), snuff – also called “smokeless tobacco” is a known risk factor – something many patients discover too late. The cancer is already present.

Risk Factor#2: Alcohol Consumption

Tobacco use has long been associated with oral cancers but in recent years, studies indicate that drinking alcohol is also a contributing factor. Folks who imbibe are more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than those who don’t. That’s a fact. And, the more people drink, the greater the chances of developing what was once a deadly disease.

Another fact: heavy drinkers AND smokers significantly increase the chances of developing oral cancer. In combination, alcohol and tobacco (both irritants to the sensitive tissues of the oral cavity) account for 75% of all forms of oral cancer. THAT stat alone should tell you all you need to know. It should also provide the motivation you need to change some bad habits forever.

So, should you stop drinking? Should you kick butt? What do you think? And not just to reduce your chances of developing tongue cancer or other forms of oral cancer. Tobacco and alcohol, especially in combination, are associated with a number of cancers and other diseases. Looking for that final reason to live a healthier life? Well, now you have that final reason: oral cancer.

Risk Factor#3: Sun Exposure

Oncologists have long-known that exposure to the sun can develop in to skin cancer years (even decades) after the exposure occurs. But not many of us recognize that lip cancer is also associated with sun exposure. Too much time in the sun isn’t good for you, despite what we were all told as kids.

How many times did mom or dad say “Go play outside,” unknowing that your sun tan was actually a bad reaction to overexposure to damaging rays from the sun. Nobody knew. But we do now.

Sun bathers, however, never think it can happen to them. Listen up. It can happen to you. You can lessen the likelihood of developing lip cancer through the use of a lip balm or some other protective lotion with a high SPF – sun protection factor. Doctors recommend keeping out of the sun and, if you know that you will be exposed to the sun’s rays over a long period of time, protect your lips with lip balm.

It’s also just plain smart to wear a broad-brimmed hat to keep those dangerous rays off the lips. Hey, you can make a fashion statement and keep yourself protected against the increased risk of developing lip cancer down the line.

BTW, sun worshippers who also smoke and drink significantly increase the chances of developing oral cancers. One bad habit seems to compound the others, creating a triple whammy that may land you across the desk from an oncologist about to deliver life altering news – the news you always considered a possibility but never took seriously. Oral cancer is some tragedy that strikes others, not you right?

Wrong. Sunning poolside, smoking a butt while sipping that pina colada is a triple threat, but health threats that you can eliminate entirely from your life while significantly lessening the chances of that meeting with the oncological surgeon who has some “bad news.”

Bad news? You have cancer of the lip. Imagine what that’ll do to quality of life. Oh, and once you receive that devastating diagnosis, you move into another category – the category of folks who’ve already been diagnosed with oral cancer.

And that makes you more susceptible to other cancers. Still need a reason to wear sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30? Still need a reason to cut out alcohol from your life? Still need a reason to quit using tobacco?

Now you have all the reasons you’ll ever need. Why?

Keep reading.

Risk Factor#4: A History of Head and Neck Cancers

Once diagnosed with a form of oral cancer or neck cancer (that’s where the larynx or voice box is located) you increase your risk of other forms of cancer developing in the head and neck regions.

And, if you keep up your bad habits, even after receiving a diagnosis of the “Big C,” well, first you don’t go to the head of the class. Go stand in the corner. Smoking, drinking and exposure to the sun’s rays only increase the chances that a form of oral cancer will return once you receive an oral cancer diagnosis.

One thing leads to another. And these aren’t suppositions or educated guesses. The facts are backed by numerous studies that correlate lifestyle habits and oral cancer. Oh, and just ask anyone who’s received the bad news how it changes their lives. It’s not something you ever want to hear from your doctor.

Go Pro-Active
Kicking the tobacco habit after you’ve been diagnosed with an oral, head or neck cancer lowers the chances of a return of the disease. You can make things better. In fact, when you quit the tobacco habit, you reduce the risk of oral cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the larynx, esophagus, pancreas and bladder. So why do you keep lighting up when you know you may be heading for a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear?

Want to quit? Want some help? There are many programs that’ll get that monkey off your back and improve your chances of preventing oral cancers in the first place, or improving your chances of preventing a recurrence once you’ve been diagnosed.

Here are some sources of help:

• Call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. These nice people will hook you up with a tobacco secession group – a support network that’ll get tobacco out of your life today, tomorrow and for a lifetime – a nice, long lifetime.

• Ask your family physician about ways to kick the habit. Today there are numerous treatment options that’ll get you off those “coffin nails.” One drug, bupropion, has been shown to help smokers quit by reducing nicotine cravings. Nicotine, according to medical professionals, is as addictive as heroin and just as difficult to kick.

• Visit the local pharmacy. You’ll find a whole section of products designed to help you over the hump of quitting tobacco use in all forms. There’s nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, nasal sprays and inhalers that can make the difference between living a tobacco-free life and continuing to jeopardize your health with each puff you take.

• The National Cancer Institute also provides lots of information on oral cancers and treatments. You’ll find all you need to know and all you need to quit a disgusting habit at The National Cancer Institute information resources page.

It’s time. You know it is. You’ve known for years – decades – that it’s time to quit, whether you’ve been diagnosed or not.

If you suspect you might be at risk, talk to your family physician or see your dental professional ASAP. These men and women may not have all the answers, but they can point you down the pathway to better health today, tomorrow and for a lifetime.

Don’t wait. Today’s the best day to kick bad habits and improve your chances of living a rich, full life without ever hearing those words: You have cancer.

Now, don’t you have an appointment to make? Don’t you have some reading to do? Don’t you need to see someone who can help?

A healthier lifestyle begins NOW. It begins with going pro-active and maintaining a positive outlook.

In short, and in no uncertain terms, it begins with you. Just do it.