Overview of Oral Cancer: Risk Factors and Common Sites
Oral cancer can develop in various parts of the mouth and throat, including 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 be diagnosed with this disease. Men over the age of 50 who smoke heavily and consume alcohol regularly are at a higher risk. Other important 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.
Recent advancements in early detection and treatment have led to a decrease in mortality rates for oral cancer. However, there has been an increase in cases of oropharyngeal cancer, primarily due to the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
The Importance of Awareness in Oral Cancer
Oral cancer, one of the top ten most common cancers worldwide, has seen significant progress in research, prevention, detection, and treatment. These developments have improved patient outcomes, with an early detection survival rate exceeding 80%.
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