By Dr Jana AlMunifi

General Dental Practitioner

KUWAIT: Oral cancer is simply a cancerous lesion that is found in three distinct sites - the mouth, which is known as the oral cavity; the throat, which is known as the oropharynx region; and the outer surface of the mouth, which is the lip. In 2020, it was estimated that more than 377,700 cases of oral cancer were diagnosed worldwide.

Overall, oral cavity and lip cancers were the 16th most common cancers. It was found to be the 11th most common cancers found in men and the 18th most common cancers found in women. In Kuwait, especially in recent years, tobacco use and smoking, which are linked to oral cancer, have become a very common practice among teenagers and adults.

It is important to consider the major risk factors of oral cancers. First, smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as using smokeless tobacco such as gutkha, paan and chewing tobacco. Also, some viruses such as human papilloma virus (HPV) can increase your risk of getting cancer. Being excessively exposed to ultraviolet light known as UV light is also a risk factor, as well as having a family history of oral cancers.

There are numerous symptoms that can be experienced by oral cancer patients. The following are the most common signs and symptoms that may be seen. Having painful mouth ulcers that do not heal for several weeks. Experiencing persistent, unexplained lumps in the neck or mouth that do not go away within weeks. Developing sudden, unexplained difficulty or pain when swallowing or chewing, as well as experiencing constant, unexplained numbness on the tongue or other parts of the mouth.

Early signs can be white or red patches or a mixture of both colors found on the tongue or the mouth's lining, as well as having constant, unexplained difficulty in moving the tongue or jaw. When experiencing such symptoms, it is important to book an appointment with your dentist or general dental practitioner to have a thorough examination and rule out any suspicions.

Although oral cancer has been estimated to affect many people, when integrating simple key elements in our daily lives, we can reduce the risk. It has been known that diets that contain low fruits and non-starchy vegetables are deleterious and harmful for our general health. There has been evidence that people who indulge in such diets are moderately at an increased risk of getting different cancers. Including fruits and non-starchy vegetables in our diet is very important. They are rich in vitamins, fibers, antioxidants, minerals and types of chemicals that play an important role in protecting our bodies against cancers.

Sticking to what we call "5 a day" routine, which is basically consuming at least 5 portions of fruits/non-starchy vegetables per day. Examples of non-starchy vegetable include artichoke, asparagus, baby corn, green bean and bean sprouts. Remember: Dried, frozen, canned, fresh and juiced vegetables/fruits all count! Also, 150 ml juice of vegetables or fruits is equivalent to one of your "5 a day".

Things that can help in reducing your risk of getting oral cancers include avoiding outdoor activities from 11 am to 3 pm. If you need to be outdoors, ensure that you use sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. Also, a crucial element is maintaining dental visits every six months to have a thorough dental examination. This will help in avoiding any late diagnoses.

Avoiding alcohol consumption, smokeless tobacco and smoking, a significant factor that helps in reducing risk. When quitting smoking, you can contact your doctor regarding more information about smoking cessation. Considering these small changes and incorporating them in your daily life plays a major role and creates a huge difference in reducing your oral cancer risk.