Joy Lunan DDS News 

Heavy Drinking Linked to Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in men worldwide and

almost two-thirds of cases are in advanced stages by the time they are

detected. A number of risk factors have long been associated with oral

cancer including smoking, human papilloma virus (HPV), gender and age.

Recently, heavy drinking has also been linked to oral cancers, especially

when occurring in conjunction with other risk factors.

The term "oral cancer" refers to cancers of the lip, tongue, floor of mouth,

tonsils and soft palate. If you notice any sores, swelling or discolorations

that do not heal on their own after two weeks it is important that you

consult your dentist. Early detection can greatly increase your chances

of a full and speedy recovery.

The vast majority of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco use, and the

greater frequency and duration of use of tobacco products is directly

proportional to increase in risk of oral cancer. Heavy drinking can also

increase your risk of oral cancer, but it is the combination of tobacco

use and heavy drinking which really causes your risk to skyrocket. It

has been estimated that this combination can cause up to a 100-fold

increase in your risk of oral cancer.

Men are about twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer and the

average age at the time of diagnosis is 62 years. It has been estimated

that HPV -- which is usually associated with cervical cancer - is

responsible for 20 to 30 percent of oral cancers.

If you develop oral cancer, you dentist may suggest a number of dental

treatment options, including surgically removing the affected cells,

radiation or chemotherapy.

Remember, early detection is indispensible in fighting oral cancer so

consult your dentist immediately if you notice any irregularities that do

not disappear within two weeks. Your dentist can provide an oral cancer

exam at each of your regular dental visits.