MONTGOMERY, Ala. — April has been designated as Oral Cancer Awareness Month in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Public Health and the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, alongside Governor Kay Ivey hope this initiative spotlights the importance of regular oral cancer screenings, avoidance of tobacco products, and the utilization of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent oral cancer.
Oral cancer typically starts in the mouth, while oropharyngeal cancer affects areas such as the base of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and back of the throat. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 58,450 individuals will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer this year, with 12,230 projected fatalities from these cancers.
Risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancer include tobacco use in any form, excessive alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco, and infection with HPV. Alabama ranks tenth highest in the U.S. for tobacco use, with statistics showing concerning rates among both adults and teenagers.
HPV infection is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, with the HPV vaccine proving effective in reducing oral HPV infections by more than 90%, according to studies by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs.
Additional risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancer include prolonged sun exposure to the lips, male gender, fair skin, age over 45, poor oral hygiene, inadequate diet, marijuana use, and weakened immune systems.
To promote prevention and early detection, health officials encourage people to:
- Vaccinate themselves and their children against HPV.
- Cease tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption.
- Conduct regular self-examinations of the mouth for abnormalities.
- Request oral cancer screenings from dental providers.
Symptoms include persistent hoarseness or sore throat, earaches, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss.
Early detection through regular oral cancer examinations by healthcare professionals is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Additionally, on April 5, Alabama will observe "Light up Alabama Red," with RSA buildings in Mobile and Montgomery lit in red to raise awareness for Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
