Overview of Oral Cancer: Risk Factors and Common Sites
Oral cancer can develop in various parts of the mouth and throat, with the most common areas being the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining, and hard palate. Although anyone can be affected, men are twice as likely as women to develop this disease. Men over 50 who smoke heavily and consume alcohol frequently are particularly at risk. Other notable risk factors include:
- UV Radiation: Exposure to sunlight or sunlamps.
- Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD): Persistent acid reflux.
- Previous Radiation Treatment: Prior radiation to the head and neck.
- Chemical Exposure: Contact with certain harmful substances.
- Poor Diet: Nutritional deficiencies.
Despite advances in early detection and treatment leading to a decline in oral cancer death rates, there has been a recent uptick in oropharyngeal cancer cases, primarily due to the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
The Importance of Awareness in Oral Cancer
Despite being one of the top ten most common cancers worldwide, oral cancer has seen remarkable progress in research, prevention, detection, and treatment. These advancements have significantly improved patient outcomes. When oral cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the survival rate exceeds 80%.
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