Early Detection Saves Lives
Oral cancer is nothing to take lightly. Causing one death every hour, there will be
approximately 45,750 new cases diagnosed this year alone. It also tends
to strike men twice as likely as women.
Contributing factors
of oral cancer include:
§ Smoking
§ Tobacco use
§ Excessive alcohol consumption (3+ drinks per
day)
§ Over exposure to UV light
§ HPV Virus (sexually transmitted)
7% of diagnosed oral cancer cases that
have no identified cause
Smokers are 3 times
more likely to develop oral cancer. Cigars and pipes pose a higher risk
than standard cigarettes.
This is how to reduce
your risk of oral cancer:
§ Brush & floss regularly
§ Do not use tobacco products
§ Drink alcohol only in moderation
§ Limit sun exposure and always use SPF
sunscreen
§ Regular exercise
§ Nutritional supplements ( Vitamin D, Vitamin
B, Zinc, Fish oil)
§ Oral cancer screening at your bi-annual
dentist exam and cleaning
The way you prepare
your meals can play a role as well. Rather than frying food, give
steaming or baking a try! Bonus: these techniques are also more figure
friendly!
Cancer fighting foods:
§ Beans
§ Berries
§ Vegetables
§ Flaxseed
§ Garlic
§ Grapes
§ Green Teas
§ Tomatoes
84% of oral cancer
cases can be detected early by your dentist
Dental check-ups arevital to oral cancer detection. Yes, you should be going in for dental
check-ups twice a year anyways; however, request you get regularly scheduled
oral cancer screenings as well!
Oral Cancer Signs to
Check at Home:
§ Check the entirety of your mouth
§ All the way inside of your cheeks
§ Underside and top of your tongue
§ Roof of your mouth
§ Lymph nodes
You’re looking for
discoloration, lumps, asymmetrical swelling or any other abnormalities that you
happen to see. Even if you aren’t too sure about it, it never hurts to
give us a call, ask questions and come in to have it checked out.
Get involved.
Help raise awareness. Spread the word. Get tested!
Dr. Gregory Olsen
916.983.6637
Dr. Gregory Olsen
916.983.6637
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