The month of November is recognized as Mouth Cancer Action Month. Supported by the Oral Health Foundation and the Mouth Cancer Foundation, this is a time to help advocate and spread awareness about mouth cancer among the general public and in the medical field. Keep reading to learn how to be ‘mouth aware’ and get involved in spreading awareness this month.
How to Get Involved
The Mouth Cancer Foundation website contains a wealth of educational resources that you can easily share on your social media profiles. Some examples include:
- A list of mouth cancer facts. Click here to check it out.
- A handy guide for mouth cancer patients. Check it out here.
- A step-by-step guide on how to check yourself for mouth cancer. Click here to learn how.
- A collection of educational graphics that can easily be turned into a social media post. Click here to view them.
You can also support the Mouth Cancer Foundation through purchase of merchandise or by organizing your own fundraiser.
About Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is cancer impacting the lining of the lips, upper throat, or mouth. The disease often first appears as a white patch on the tongue or mouth, which often thickens, ulcerates, and develops red patches. The greatest risk factors for mouth cancer include tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, as well as alcohol consumption. Others include chewing betel nuts (a common habit in parts of Asia), stem cell transplant, and infection with type 16 HPV. Symptoms include red/white patches with a rough texture, a mass in the pharynx, a crusty, dry ulcer on the lips, numbness, swelling, loose teeth, earaches, bleeding gums, and trouble swallowing. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Five-year-survival rate is around 57%. To learn more about mouth cancer. click here.
