Oral Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention

Oral Cancer: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention

• Oral cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
• Worldwide, the leading causes of death in 2019 were diseases of the heart and blood vessels, followed by cancers such as lung, and prostate cancer.
• In males, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, followed by liver cancer and prostate cancer.
• In females, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is also the leading cause of cancer death.
• Globally, cancer is a significant health issue, and the incidence and mortality rates vary by region.
• Cancer risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection, are important to consider.
• Modifications like lifestyle changes and quitting smoking can reduce oral cancer risk.

Global Epidemiology

• Cancer is a global health concern.
• Data on incidence and mortality are gathered from various countries.
• Data quality and representativeness varies across regions.
• Global cancer statistics are compiled for 36 cancers in 185 countries for 2020.
• The estimates do not reflect the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oral Cancer Risk

• Oral cancer is a multifactorial disease.
• Non-modifiable risk factors include age and ethnicity.
• Modifiable risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing.
• Emerging risk factors include HPV infection, immunosuppression, and poor oral hygiene.

Oral Cancer Incidence Data

• Data sources for oral cancer are varied, including cancer registries in areas like Cebu, Manila, and Rizal.
• Key oral cancer sites include the mucosal lip, buccal mucosa, alveolar ridge, retromolar trigone, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
• Oral cancer incidence data can be used to track trends and understand risk factors.

Oral Cancer Prevention

• Stopping tobacco use is a critical preventive step.
• Education and awareness campaigns can help prevent oral cancer.
• Early detection is crucial for better prognosis and improved survival.

Oral Cancer Screening

• Examine your mouth, neck, lips, and gums for any changes.
• Look for lumps, bumps, sores, redness, or white patches.
• Use a mirror to examine hard-to-reach areas.
• If you notice suspicious changes, contact a dentist for a proper evaluation.

Premalignant Lesions

• Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches in the oral cavity that are caused by chronic irritation and cannot be rubbed off easily.
• Lichen planus is another premalignant lesion that's an inflammatory autoimmune reaction in the oral cavity.
• High-risk areas for oral cancer include the floor of the mouth, lateral border of the tongue, and soft palate.

Cancer Staging and Treatment

• Staging determines the extent of cancer and guides treatment decisions.
• Treatment approaches include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
• Complete removal of the lesion, minimizing the damage to surrounding tissues, is a key strategy.

HPV-Related Oral Cancers

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers.
• HPV subtypes 16 and 18 are associated with a significant portion of oropharyngeal cancers.