ORAL cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer in the world, with a mortality rate of less than 50 per cent at a five-year diagnosis. However, this statistic does not seem to hold true for all countries.

According to Dr Irving McKenzie, chief dental officer at the Ministry of Health and dean of the University of Technology, College of Oral Health Sciences, the case fatality rate in Jamaica seems to be closer to 100 per cent.

But why is this?

Oral cancer awareness among the Jamaican public is low.

RISK FACTORS

While smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors, the fastest-growing segment of oral cancer patients consists of young, healthy, non-smoking individuals due to the connection to the Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Though we cannot stop this virus from spreading, our only hope is to increase public awareness.

It is recommended that patients visit their dentist every six months for a dental exam. Dental exams not only help to decrease your risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and gum disease, but they also may help to diagnose potentially life-threatening medical conditions, such as oral cancer. In many cases, however, dentists can identify its early signs and symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Oral cancer frequently prospers without producing any pain or symptoms. This makes it particularly dangerous because it can go unnoticed by patients until it has already metastasized (spread) to another location. If it goes undetected and is not treated in its early stages, oral cancer is deadly, especially for patients of the Jamaican population seeking medical care locally.

The first line of defence against oral cancer is early detection. This month, in observance of Oral Cancer Awareness, it is recommended that patients get screened for oral cancer.

Oral cancers are part of a group of cancers commonly referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck cancers, oral cancers comprise about 85 per cent of that category.

Oral cancer typically presents itself as an ulcer, red patch or white lesion. Checking for oral cancer is quick and painless. Your dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in the neck, throat, cheeks, and mouth, and look for any sores or discolouration.

WHAT IS DONE DURING ORAL CANCER SCREENING?

During an oral cancer screening exam, your dentist looks over the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores. Using gloved hands, your dentist also feels the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities.

If you wear complete or partial dentures that are removable, your dentist or doctor will ask you to remove them so that the tissue underneath can be examined.

WHY IS ORAL CANCER SCREENING DONE?

People with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening. Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:

• Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others.

• Heavy alcohol use.

• Previous oral cancer diagnosis.

• History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer.

• HPV exposure

• Genetics (family history of oral cancer)

ADDITIONAL TESTS FOR ORAL CANCER SCREENING

Some dentists use special tests in addition to the oral exam to screen for oral cancer. It’s not clear if these tests offer any additional benefit over the oral exam. Special oral cancer screening tests may involve:

1. Rinsing your mouth with a special blue dye before an exam. Abnormal cells in your mouth may take up the dye and appear blue.

2 Shining a light in your mouth during an exam. The light makes healthy tissue appear dark and makes abnormal tissue appear white.

If your dentist discovers any signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, he or she may recommend:

• A follow-up visit in a few weeks to see if the abnormal area is still present and note whether it has grown or changed over time.

• A biopsy procedure to remove a sample of cells for laboratory testing to determine whether cancer cells are present. Your dentist may perform the biopsy, or you may be referred to a doctor for further testing, diagnosis and treatment.

WE ARE OFFERING…

Throughout the month of April, the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, located at Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Shop#5, Kingston 10, will be offering free oral cancer screenings and 50 per cent off your dental cleanings. Schedule your appointment by calling 630-4710.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 630-4710, or you may visit the website www.dentalplace4u.com.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.