Oral cancer - awareness and prevention

Oral Cancer – Awareness and Prevention

According to data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), the estimate is 14.7 thousand new cases of
oral cancer later every year. Also, there are different types of cancer, but oral cancer is seen in many
people nowadays.

About cancer

Oral cancer is a type of malignant tumour most common in men over 40 and affects the lips and the
inside of the mouth. Therefore, lips, inside of cheeks, the roof of the mouth, tongue (especially the
edges), and region under the language should observe.

Data

If we talk about the first week of the April month is primarily devoted to raising awareness of another
type of cancer: oral cancer. The period aims to encourage prevention, which, according to an estimate
by the World Health Organization (WHO), may help reduce the incidence of the disease by up to 25% by
2025. The assessment of new cases by 2018, according to the Institute. National Cancer
Institute (INCA), is 14.7 thousand, 11.2 thousand men, and 3.5 thousand women.
This year, the National Week of Oral Cancer Prevention, which took place between November 5 and 9,
featured communication actions on social networks, TV, and radio, as well as an exclusive page about
the disease on the Ministry's Portal. All to show that some routine habits help to reduce the chances of
cancer onset.

Cause of oral cancer

Straightforward attitudes such as smoking and alcohol abstinence, a diet rich in healthy foods and good
oral hygiene decreases the chances of developing most malignancies, including mouth tumours, people
get easily affected with the head and neck cancer. Periodic visits to the dentist are also important
because they allow the identification of suspicious lesions, favouring the early diagnosis of oral cancer.
Even people with a good background indulge themselves in the consumption of tobacco or smoking and
get oral cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer

According to the Ministry, the main symptoms are:
– lesions in the oral cavity or lips that do not heal for more than 15 days;
– red or whitish patches/plaques on the tongue, gums, palate (roof of the mouth), jugal mucosa (cheek);
– lumps (lumps) in the neck;
– persistent hoarseness;

Advanced case symptoms

In more advanced cases of the disease, the following signs are observed:

  •  difficulty chewing and swallowing.
  • difficulty speaking.
  • The patient feels some hard materials stuck in the windpipe.

Healing or the treatment process

As with other cancers, early diagnosis increases the chances of cure. In the specific case of this cancer,
80% are curable if diagnosed early and treated adequately. Therefore, if an oral lesion that has not
healed within 15 days is observed, guidance should be sought from a doctor or dentist for a complete
oral examination. Only the evaluation of a professional will decide the best treatment for each case. The
Unified Health System (SUS) offers prevention and treatment of oral cancer throughout the country.
The cost of the treatment differs in a different place.

 

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