Protecting Senior Smiles: The Role of Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is one-fifth as common as lung, colon, and breast cancers and more than twice as common as cervical cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, a majority of people who get oral cancer are older adults, about 64 years of age and older. However, the cancer can still occur in young people, with 1 in 5 cases happening in people younger than 55 years old. 

Sadly, oral cancers claim about 12,230 lives every year. That's why we can never overemphasize the importance of early screening. Finding oral cancer at an early stage (before symptoms appear) may help reduce the chance of dying from those cancers. And the reason is, earlier stages are often easy to treat or cure.

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer develops in parts that make up the oral cavity (or mouth). This means:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Gums
• Inner lining of the cheeks
• Salivary glands
• Under the tongue (floor of the mouth)
• Roof of the mouth

Mouth cancer can look like a common problem in your mouth or your lips, like sores that bleed or white patches. However, the only difference is that these changes don't go away in potential cancer cases. Left untreated, oral cancer can spread throughout your mouth and throat and other parts of your neck and head. 

About 11 in 100,000 people will develop mouth cancer at some point in their life. But men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer – and the risk increases with age.

Why is Early Screening Important?

If you ever notice anything unusual in your mouth, like lumps, sores, or changes in color, see your dentist or doctor right away. Early detection is key. It improves your treatment options and overall outcome. Here's why getting screened regularly is so important:

More Treatment Choices

When your dentist finds oral cancer early, it's often smaller and easier to treat. This means you have a wider range of treatment options available, and these options tend to be less invasive. Early intervention might involve a simple surgery to remove the cancerous tissue or even targeted therapy. Their side effects are different and sometimes less severe than chemotherapy.  

A Better Prognosis

The most important factor? Early detection dramatically increases your chances of beating oral cancer. Catching it in its early stages means a better chance of eliminating the cancer before it spreads.

The National Cancer Institute highlights that the 5-year relative survival rate for localized pharynx and oral cavity cancer is 87.5%. But this drops to 37.8% when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Treatment is Cheaper

And the best part is that treatment costs are lower for an early stage compared to an advanced one. You’ll save a lot when you catch the disease before it spreads.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer in Seniors

The risk factors for oral cancer increase with age, and seniors are more susceptible for a few reasons:

Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

This is a major risk factor across all age groups, but the longer you've used tobacco products, the higher your risk. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco.

HPV

HPV strains, particularly HPV16 and HPV18, are becoming a more prominent risk factor for some oral cancers, especially oropharyngeal cancers in the back of the throat. While less common than tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection is a risk to be aware of.

Weakened Immune System

Seniors are more likely to have weak immune systems because of age or underlying health conditions. This can make it harder for the body to fight off HPV and other potential factors that contribute to oral cancer.

Sun Exposure

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can increase the risk of lip cancer. This is especially important for seniors who may have spent years outdoors without adequate sun protection. 

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is something we want to stay on top of, but it's important to remember that most mouth sores and lumps are not cancerous. However, knowing the possible signs can help with early detection, which is key to successful treatment.  Here's what to keep an eye on:

• Mouth sores that don't heal within two weeks. These sores can be red, white, or a combination of both. 
• A lump in your mouth, tongue, or neck 
• White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth, especially if it's persistent
• Teeth that become loose for no apparent reason 
• If you have difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Oral cancer can sometimes cause changes in your speech, such as hoarseness or difficulty speaking clearly. 
• A feeling of numbness in your mouth or tongue that doesn't go away
• Pain or swelling in your jaw can indicate oral cancer affecting the jawbone.

The Role of Dentists

Dental professionals don't just take care of your teeth. They're also on your team to prevent and detect cancer early. That's why the ADA recommends checks at least twice a year to help you stay on top of things. Let's explore their importance in senior healthcare:

Build Healthy Habits

They're a great source of information about healthy habits that reduce your risk of oral cancer. They can discuss risk factors like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption and offer guidance on quitting or consuming them in moderation.  They may also recommend vaccination for HPV (depending on age and other health factors) as a preventative measure.

Educate You

Dentists can explain the importance of good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and maintaining a balanced diet. These routines can help keep your mouth healthy and reduce the chances of developing precancerous lesions.

Early Detection

During checkup, your dentist performs a gentle and thorough examination of your mouth, tongue, throat, and lymph nodes. They'll use various tools and their hands to explore your mouth for early signs of cancer, like lumps, sores, or discoloration. They may also apply blue dye to spot abnormal cells and lesions.

Get You the Care You Need

If your dentist identifies anything that requires further evaluation, they'll work with you to get the appropriate care. This might involve a referral to an oral surgeon or oncologist for a specialist's assessment. They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and appropriate treatment plans for oral cancer patients.

Get an Oral Cancer Screening Test Today

Oral cancer cases are common among seniors. It's, therefore, essential to get your oral cancer screening tests during your visits to catch any issue while it's still manageable. An early-stage cancer diagnosis means a much better chance of successful treatment with minimal impact on your overall health and quality of life.

At Dental Finds, we partner with dentists to provide high-quality, reliable equipment to ensure successful dental care. Check out our exquisite range of dental equipment and supplies today and take your practice's quality of oral care to new heights.