Tips to prevent oral cancer
Oral cancer is one of the 10 most common types of tumors worldwide.
About 310,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, producing annual mortality of 150,000 people. However, its prevention is relatively simple.
Alcohol and tobacco consumption habits are present in 90% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer, so it is essential to avoid these risk factors.
Specifically, it has been shown that smokers have three times higher risk of oral cancer compared to non-smokers; but, in addition, non-smokers who live in a tobacco environment have a chance of oral cancer 87 times higher than those who have never smoked and do not live in a smoking environment. Regarding alcohol, it is known that its consumption as a daily routine increases the permeability of the oral mucosa, causes atrophy of the epithelium, and blocks the synthesis and regeneration of DNA-forming cells.
With this in mind, some basic measures can prevent developing oral cancer.
- Especially in summer, limit exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, wear a hat, and always wear lip protection. It has been shown that failure to protect against ultraviolet radiation can also cause tumors on the lips, hence the importance of preserving this thin layer of skin with specific creams and lip balms with a sun protection factor.
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Get informed about the human papillomavirus vaccine. HPV increases cancer incidence in the tonsils and the base of the tongue, near the oropharyngeal cavity.
- Boost fruit and vegetable consumption in your diet.
- Stop smoking
- Practice good oral and sexual hygiene
