Posted: October 12, 2010
Lifestyle choices increase mouth cancer risks
NEW research has shown that young adults are increasing their risks of oral cancer through the lifestyle choices they make.
The number of young people being diagnosed with mouth, throat and food pipe cancer has doubled and researchers believe this is due to excessive smoking, drinking and an unhealthy diet among the young.
These cancers, which are known as Upper aero-digestive tract cancers, are responsible for 10,000 deaths in the UK alone.
Researchers at Aberdeen University conducted a five-year study, which examined 350 patients under the age of 50 with UADT cancers and compared the results to 400 people who did not have the disease. It was discovered that nine in 10 of the cancers had been caused by smoking, drinking and a lack of fruit and vegetables in the diet.
Professor Macfarlane, who led the study, said: “Our study aimed to determine whether smoking, alcohol consumption and low fruit and vegetable intake remained the most significant risk factors for UADT cancers in this age group, or whether other "novel" factors including genetics and infection could be relatively more important.
“The results of our study further emphasise that the message we need to be communicating to the public remains the same – that smoking, drinking and diet are the major triggers of these diseases at all ages”.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: “Latest figures show that over 5,300 new cases a year are diagnosed in the UK, and one person dies every five hours from the disease. Action really must be taken to raise awareness and change these figures.
“With Mouth Cancer Action Month taking place this November, now is the perfect time for people to rethink their lifestyle choices, and make sure they are doing what they can to protect their health.”
Tobacco is considered to be the leading cause of mouth cancer, and those who smoke and drink alcohol to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop the condition. Alcohol aids the absorption of tobacco in the mouth, which transforms saliva into a deadly cocktail that damages cells and can turn them cancerous.
Around a third of cases are thought to be linked to an unhealthy diet. Increasing evidence suggests that Omega 3, found in fish and eggs, can help to lower risks. As can foods high in fibre such as nuts, seeds, whole-wheat pasta and brown rice.
Another key risk factor for mouth cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). US studies have linked more than 20,000 cancer cases to the virus in the last five years. Transmitted via oral sex, people with multiple sexual partners are more at risk. Oral health experts suggest HPV may rival tobacco and alcohol as the most common risk factor.
Mouth Cancer Action Month is an annual campaign taking place every November. The campaign is organised by the Foundation and aims to raise awareness of mouth cancer, its early symptoms and the common risk factors.
The National Dental Helpline is a confidential and independent service. Fully qualified dental experts are available to offer information and advice on all oral health-care topics. Contact the Helpline on 0845 063 1188, between 9am and 5pm; alternatively, email on helpline@dentalhealth.org.
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