The American Dental Association (ADA) has launched a new campaign urging dentists to examine patients for signs of early oral cancer. "While those at greatest risk for oral cancer are typically over 40 with a history of smoking and/or alcohol use, we are seeing reports of an increase in populations traditionally considered at lower risk," said T. Howard Jones, D.M.D., ADA president. "Dentists and hygienists need to be aware of these trends so that oral cancer screening is performed routinely for patients at new or recall visits."
Data show that oral cancer incidence among women has increased from 15% of all patients with oral cancer to a full third of oral cancer cases over the last 45 years. The changing ratio is likely the result of the increase in smoking among women in the past three decades.
Cancer also is an age-related disease, and in the United States, there are 50% more women over 64 years of age than men over 64. In addition, according to the cancer surveillance database from the National Cancer Institute, it appears that tongue cancer in males under 40 years of age may be increasing. The reason for the increase is uncertain.
Approximately 28,000 new diagnoses of oral cancer occur each year in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer occurs almost as frequently as leukemia and claims almost as many lives as melanoma cancer.
Although tobacco users and those who consume alcohol are at higher risk for developing oral cancer, more than 25 percent of oral cancer patients do not fall into these risk categories. Routine, careful examination of patients is therefore appropriate, along with testing of suspect areas. This can happen during a regular dental visit.
The stage of an oral cancer diagnosis is critical. When detected at its earliest stage, oral cancer is more easily treated and cured. When detected late, its five-year survival rate is about 50 percent.
"The ADA has been very aggressive in educating its members about oral cancer control and the importance of tobacco cessation," continued Dr. Jones. "We now need to expand professional and consumer awareness about the fact that patients should be screened for oral cancer. Testing is painless and there is no question that early detection saves lives."
The ADA is working with state and local dental societies to promote education and awareness among its members. The effort will feature a series of activities targeted to dentists, dental schools, patients and consumers.
Information about oral cancer is available on the ADA website www.ada.org.
CDx Laboratories, providers of a computer-assisted, painless brush biopsy oral cancer detection test, supported the campaign through an unrestricted educational grant.