The Oral Cancer Epidemic

Introduction

Oral cancer is not what it used to be.  The number of oral cancers diagnosed has been increasing over the past six years, while all other cancers have declined.  Over 43,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx are diagnosed every year.  The 5 year survival rate for oral cancers is frightening at only 50%. This 50/50 survival rate is due to late stage diagnoses.  63% of oral cancers are diagnosed in late stage.  8,000 deaths occur every year due to late diagnosis.

Oral Cancer Today

In the past, oral cancer was typically associated with age, tobacco and alcohol.  So what has changed?  Why are the numbers of oral cancer diagnosis increasing over the past six years?  The new risk factor responsible for an increase of 15X in oral cancer diagnosis is, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).  HPV is transmitted through saliva, sexual and skin-to-skin contact. Sexual activity is the serious new risk factor.  Men are 2X more likely to develop general oral cancers than women, but 6-7X more likely to develop HPV related oral cancers than women.    Currently, oral cancer is affecting younger people who do not necessarily have a history of tobacco or alcohol use.

Solution

So, what is a person to do?  Avoid risky behaviors!  Get screened annually if you are over 17.  The screening takes about two minutes and is painless. Your dentist and hygienist are trained to do oral cancer screening and they know how important it is to you.  In addition to the traditional oral cancer screening there is a new light reflective technology which can be used to assist in the screening process.  Oral ID, Velscope, and Vizi-Lite are three examples of the new light reflective technologies. In addition to a visual and tactile exam, this technique use special lights to aid in seeing changes within the soft tissues of your mouth.

Alcohol, tobacco, age and genetics are still risk factors for oral cancer development.  But the scary new risk factors are particular stains of HPV. Avoidance of risky behaviors and early detection are the best weapons in the war against oral cancer.  Your annual oral cancer exam is a painless way to save a life.  If you are at your 6 month or annual dental appointment make sure to ask for the results of your oral cancer screening test.  If you have not been screened within the last year, please pick up your phone and call your dentist to schedule an oral cancer screening exam.

It could save your life!