November is Mouth Cancer Action Month

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases known to man. There are different types of cancers, affecting various parts of the body. Mouth cancer is one of these types and refers to the unwanted growth of cells in the mouth.

It can affect any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, gums, and cheeks. Primary causes include regular and excessive drinking, smoking, prolonged sun exposure, the Human Papilloma Virus, eating excessively pickled and salted food, and a diet with insufficient vegetables and fruits.

Mouth cancer is easily treated if diagnosed early. November 2019 is Mouth Cancer Action Month, to promote early awareness and detection of mouth cancer.

Mouth Cancer Action Month is a charitable campaign that aims to raise awareness about this pervasive disease. At the end of the campaign, many more people should:

• Know how to identify mouth cancer early and check for unusual changes in the mouth.
• Understand the risk factors for mouth cancer and know how to minimize it.
• Visit their dentist as soon as possible when they notice something unusual.

Early Signs of Mouth Cancer

Here are some of the most common early signs of cancer that the Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign seeks to address:

• White or red patches in the throat or mouth
• Ulcers that don’t heal and are at times painless
• A lump
• Unremitting pain in the mouth
• Pain when swallowing
• Speech difficulties
• A swollen neck gland
• Problem moving the jaw
• Numbness or bleeding in the mouth
• Inexplicable weight loss

You can reduce the risk of mouth cancer significantly by avoiding alcohol and tobacco products. You should also focus on a healthy diet packed with vitamins and minerals. Don’t forget about maintaining good oral hygiene.

Join the Fight

If you would like to learn more about mouth cancer, promote awareness, or you feel the disease is not receiving the kind of attention it deserves, consider joining this global campaign. Participating in the movement can go a long way toward helping people fight the disease.

It affects at least 50,000 people every year in the United States alone.