A recent research reveals that oral cancer is increasingly linked to high alcohol consumption, tobacco chewing, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Epidemiologist Dr. Aravind Menon from the Two Rivers Public Health Department shed light on the signs and symptoms of oral cancer.
Dr. Menon emphasized that oral cancer, characterized by slow-forming growths around the mouth or throat, is predominantly linked to high alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
However, research also shows that in the last 25 years, HPV has been related to certain oral cancers and has affected more men than women.
The study further suggested that historically associated with heavy drinking and smoking, oral cancer is now increasingly prevalent among nonsmokers due to HPV.
It also reveals that approximately 10% of oral cancer cases occur in individuals with no identifiable risk factors, indicating the possibility of underlying genetic factors that have yet to be discovered.
Symtoms of oral cancer:
Signs of oral cancer include persistent sores or ulcers, discolored mouth tissues, easy bleeding, and lumps along the tongue border or raised growths.
While,for HPV-caused oropharyngeal cancer, symptoms include persistent sore throat, swollen tonsils, and difficulty swallowing, among others.
Moreover, Dr. Menon emphasized the need for proactive health measures, including regular screenings, to combat oral cancer effectively.
