Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention
The number of cancer patients in the last few decades has increased to a huge extent, including various factors leading to its development in the body. One of the most commonly found cancers is oral and oropharyngeal cancer, which can prove deadly if proper care is not taken. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the risk factors and prevention techniques to be on the safe side.
Risk factors:
Numerous risk factors can lead to the development of Oral and Oropharyngeal cancer in the body. They are as follows:
· Heavy tobacco/ alcohol usage
The use of tobacco/ alcohol has always contributed the most to causing this type of cancer. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, heavy drinking, etc., affects the mouth, head, neck, and lungs.
· UV rays
Direct and prolonged exposure to Sun rays without protection can increase the chances of getting Oral and Oropharyngeal cancer.
· Oral hygiene
Not taking enough care of oral hygiene (teeth, gums, cheeks, etc.) can contribute to oral cavity cancer. The use of tobacco with this increases the chances even more.
· Other factors
Other factors such as age, skin color, gender, etc., can also play a role in causing cancer.
How do I prevent getting Oral and Oropharyngeal cancer?
It is possible to lower your chances of getting Oral and Oropharyngeal cancer through the following steps:
· Quit tobacco and alcohol
As already mentioned, the most common risk factor includes using these products. Hence quitting them will lower the chances to a huge extent.
· Take care of your oral hygiene
Brush your teeth, massage your gums, and practice flossing daily.
· Protect yourself from Sun rays
Use sunscreens and limit your exposure to Sun rays to a particular period.
Conclusion
Even the thought of getting cancer can be threatening. So, it is essential to take care of yourself by being responsible for your own body. For getting help from a professional, contact Dr. Sumit Shah in Pune.
About Dr. Sumit shah
Dr. Sumit Shah has treated thousands of patients suffering from Cancer. He is one of the few oncologists in Pune who perform Minimal Access (keyhole) Surgery to offer his patients a smooth & pain-free recovery from Cancer. He is a highly experienced Oncologist in Pune with 14 years of expertise in surgical oncology. He is the Founder of Prolife Cancer Centre and is the Chief Consultant, Surgical Oncologist & Laparoscopic Cancer Surgeon in Pune.
Having pursued a super specialty course at the Cancer Centre Welfare Home and Res. Institute, Kolkata, and being awarded as the Best Outgoing Cancer Surgeon from his Institute, Dr. Shah is one of the Best Surgical Oncologist in Pune, India who possesses this recognized degree in Surgical Oncology.