For the fifth year in a row, oral cancer is on the rise. The American Cancer Society reports younger and younger people are being diagnosed. The causes for oral cancer range from smoking, drinking and oral sex. Twenty percent of oral cancer is caused by the sexually transmitted disease known as Human Papilloma virus or H-P-V. There are unknown causes for it as well. Doctors say early detection is crucial. The exams are easy, painless and can be done by your dentist. Joann Breckner is alive today because her dentist caught her cancer early enough.
Next time you go for a dental cleaning, ask your dentist for an oral cancer exam. It could be lifesaving.
Here's a list of the symptoms of oral cancer:
- Patches inside your mouth or on your lips
- A sore on your lip or in your mouth that doesn't heal
- Bleeding in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Difficulty wearing dentures
- A lump in your neck
- An earache that doesn't go away
- Numbness of lower lip and chin
Source: http://www.myfoxla.com/story/25415655/oral-cancer-on-the-rise
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