Watch your mouth!

The results of a new study by the charity Cancer Research UK show that over the past 20 years, the incidence of oral cancer in the UK has increased by 68% or, in absolute numbers, from 8 to 13 cases per 100,000 people. At the same time, according to the data obtained, the increase in morbidity is typical for representatives of both sexes, and not only the elderly, but also the young.

For men under 50 years of age during this period, the incidence increased by 67% (from 340 to 640 cases per year), and for men over 50 years of age – by 59% (from 2,100 to 4,400 cases per year). Despite the fact that this type of cancer is more common in men, a comparable increase in the incidence is observed in women. Namely, in women of all ages, the incidence rate increased by 71%, which for women younger than 50 years was manifested by an increase in the number of cases from 160 to 300 per year, and for women older than 50 – from 1100 to 2200 per year.

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip, tongue, gums and palate, tonsils and oropharynx. In about 9 out of 10 cases, the development of these tumors is associated with lifestyle characteristics and other risk factors. The most significant avoidable risk factor is smoking, associated with the development of the disease in about 65% of cases. Other risk factors include alcohol abuse, a diet low in vegetables and fruits, as well as infection with the human papillomavirus.

According to the chief medical information manager of Cancer Research UK, Jessica Kirby, the increase in the incidence of oral cancer is a wake-up call. Every person needs to know their body in order to detect the disease as early as possible. Attention should be paid to any non-healing ulcers or wounds in the mouth or tongue, red or red-white spots on the oral mucosa, as well as unexplained bumps on the neck. Such manifestations should be immediately shown to a therapist or dentist.

At the same time, the risk of developing oral cancer can be significantly reduced by correcting lifestyle, primarily by quitting smoking and alcohol abuse, as well as eating a large amount of vegetables and fruits.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on Cancer Research UK: Mouth cancer rates soar over 20 years.

29.11.2016