Catch oral cancer while it’s still treatable – Watch for these signs

Each year 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Because oral cancer is often not discovered until it is more advanced, there is less than a 50% survival rate at year five after diagnosis, making early detection extremely important.

If you have any of the signs below, you may have oral cancer and should promptly see your medical doctor.

1. Red and/or white spots in your mouth or on your lips
2. Sores in your mouth or on your lips that do not heal
3. Unusual changes to the surface of your mouth or lip tissue
4. Bleeding in the mouth
5. Loose teeth
6. Difficulty swallowing
7. Ear pain
8. Numbness of the tongue or other mouth parts
9. Jaw swelling

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Women and lung cancer: A growing threat

By Tanise Edwards, M.D.

What type of cancer kills more American women than any other? The answer to this question may be surprising to some.

Many women fear breast cancer the most. But, the answer is lung cancer.

Experts say it's a rising threat all women need to take seriously. And, that means not just smokers — but also women who have never once lit up.

5 telling facts
National statistics and findings show the toll lung cancer takes — especially on women:

1. Lung cancer is the No.1 cause of cancer deaths for both U.S. men and women. But, while the disease rate in men has gotten lower, in women it's increased sixfold over the last 30 years.

2. One of every five women diagnosed with lung cancer doesn't have a history of smoking.

3. Women with lung cancer who have never smoked outnumber their male counterparts three to one.

4. Women tend to develop lung cancer at a younger age than men.

5. Some research suggests that female smokers may be more vulnerable to lung cancer than men who smoke.  


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Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can form in any part of the mouth or throat. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer. Frequent sun exposure is also a risk for lip cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer include

• White or red patches in your mouth
• A mouth sore that won't heal
• Bleeding in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Problems or pain with swallowing
• A lump in your neck
• An earache

Oral cancer treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some patients have a combination of treatments.

Link: For more information about oral cancer research, treatments, journal articles, videos and to receive oral cancer updates by e-mail...

Link: Oral cancer Patient Handouts available in English and Spanish...