Many cancer patients are diagnosed by their dentists Dentists are in the front lines in detecting cancer. Along with checking for tooth decay, dentists are also checking for other potential problems including early warning signs of oral cancer and other forms of cancer. Oral cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer and can affect the mouth, lip, tongue or pharynx. The death rate from oral cancer exceeds those of cervical cancer and malignant melanoma.
Age seems to be a major factor associated with oral cancer.
About 95 per cent of oral cancers are found in people over 45 and the average age of diagnosis of oral cancer is 60. While potentially quite dangerous, oral cancer is highly preventable. Those at high risk are those who use tobacco products and those with heavy alcohol consumption levels, especially when the two are used together. The best means of preventing oral cancer is to stop the use of all tobacco products and reduce alcohol consumption to moderate levels. Regular check-ups with your dentist are important to look for early warning signs of oral cancer.