Mouth, Head & Neck Cancer Information October

Introduction 6th most common cancer world-wide -500,000 cases p.a 6th most common cancer world-wide -500,000 cases p.a Over 30,000 new cases diagnosed in USA every year Over 30,000 new cases diagnosed in USA every year UK >4,400 deaths p.a. UK >4,400 deaths p.a. Ireland ~300 new cases larynx Ireland ~300 new cases larynx 150 deaths each year in Ireland from mouth /throat cancer 150 deaths each year in Ireland from mouth /throat cancer Causes more deaths in Ireland than Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, malignant melanoma or cervical cancer Causes more deaths in Ireland than Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, malignant melanoma or cervical cancer Incidence is increasing Incidence is increasing Age decreasing Age decreasing More females now being diagnosed (M:F 3:1) More females now being diagnosed (M:F 3:1) 2

Major Risk Factors Largely preventable disease Largely preventable disease – Tobacco & Alcohol associated with 75%-90% of all oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, oesophageal cancer – (US Surgeon Gen. 2000) – Quitting reduces risk after c. 10 years Do NOT Smoke Do NOT Smoke – If you do smoke, plan to quit – Seek help to ensure success Drink Alcohol Sensibly Drink Alcohol Sensibly 3

Other Risk Factors Varies by specific site Lip cancer – UV Sunlight Premalignant lesions Viruses – HPV, EBV, HIV Good Diet rich in fruit & vegetable is protective 4

Signs & Symptoms to Look Out For: Non healing ulcer Red/white speckled area Red velvety area Pigmented area or lump Neck lump Speech changes Swallowing difficulty Persistent sore throat Dental changes 5 5

Look out for L-U-M-P L - Lump L - Lump U - Ulcer U - Ulcer M - Mouth changes M - Mouth changes P - Persistent: sore throat P - Persistent: sore throat hoarseness hoarseness problem swallowing problem swallowing 6

7 Your dentist should check your mouth and neck at every review Your dentist should check your mouth and neck at every review CHECK YOUR MOUTH REGULARLY CHECK YOUR MOUTH REGULARLY The following slides show you how to examine your own mouth at home The following slides show you how to examine your own mouth at home

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Early Detection Gives Good Outcome 22

If You Notice Any Change Seek professional advice from your dentist or doctor if ANY lesion, lump or symptom lasts more that 3 weeks Seek professional advice from your dentist or doctor if ANY lesion, lump or symptom lasts more that 3 weeks If in doubt – get checked out! If in doubt – get checked out! 23