Oral cancer and pharyngeal cancer are among the top ten malignant tumours in the world, whereas the tumours often occur at the sites of the head and neck. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), its incidence will continue to rise over the next 70 years.
The mouth serves as the starting point for the digestive tract and respiratory tract. Oral cancers are cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract that generally occur in the lips, tongue, nose, throat, vocal cords, and part of the oesophagus and windpipe. Up to 70% of oral cancers are caused by oral lesions, such as persistent red or white patches in the mouth.
Are you at high risk of oral cancer?
1. Heavy-drinker and Smokers
Cigarettes are the "root cause" of many cancers. Tobacco smoking is responsible for 90% of oral cancers. Alcohol acts as a solvent for carcinogens, facilitating the admission of carcinogens into the oral mucosa. Those who drank 3-4 alcoholic beverages a day had twice the risk of oral cancer compared to non-drinkers. Therefore, reducing tobacco and alcohol intake contribute significantly to the prevention of oral cancer.
2. People Who Often Chew Betel Nut
Betel nut fibre is rough, long-term betel nut chewing will cause damage to the oral cavity, resulting in oral mucosal damage, and in severe cases, it will cause oral mucosal fibrosis and cause oral cancer. Although betel nut chewing is a common habit among South-East Asians, only a small minority of Indians, Malays, and Orang Asli chewed betel nut in Malaysia. However, studies have shown that having the habit of chewing betel could increase the risk of oral cancer by six times compared to someone who did not, while those who indulged in all three high-risk habits including smoking, alcohol consumption and betel nut chewing increase their risk of oral cancer by 22 times.
3. People who like spicy and hot food
Consuming food or drink at high temperatures, especially above 70°C can easily get injured and cause a thermal burn of the oral mucosa. This is the reason that leads to a high incidence of oral cancer such as tongue cancer. Frequent exposure to high temperatures may impair oral wound healing. Therefore, let your food cool down before eating especially when you’re eating Malatang (spicy hot pot) or hot pot.
4. People with poor oral care
Most oral cancer patients have poor oral care such as refusing to brush their teeth, ignoring their regular dental check-ups, and often suffering from poor oral hygiene and other diseases. They frequently suffer from long-term periodontal discomfort, which will lead to continuous inflammation in the oral cavity, resulting in impaired healing at the base of the tongue. This also leads to the occurrence of tongue cancer.
In short, tobacco, alcohol and betel nut chewing are the main risks for oral cancer. Reduce your risk by quitting smoke, limiting your alcohol intake and betel nut chewing habit. Take good care of your oral hygiene habits. Visit your dentist for regular screening and talk to your dentist immediately if you found any abnormalities.
