Did you know that oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in men worldwide? An even scarier statistic is that 75-80% of oral cancer patients drink alcohol frequently. Is there a causal correlation between alcohol consumption and an increased risk for oral cancer? Studies indicate that this is so, and here is what they have discovered.
When alcohol is drunken in excess, it increases the production of your oral squamous cell carcinomas. These cells are responsible for a shocking 90% of mouth cancer cases. Alcohol also causes irritation to the inner lining of your mouth, which creates a perfect environment for the development of cancer. Your risk for oral cancer increases even more if you frequently consume alcohol as well as chew and smoke tobacco.
Oral cancer can have debilitating effects on your lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, tonsils, and soft palate. If you want to lower your risk for oral cancer significantly, then simply stop drinking alcohol. If you do continue alcohol use, then do so infrequently while alternating your drinks with water. We also suggest that you visit us for regular dental exams so we can screen your mouth for signs of oral cancer. If this condition is caught early on, then it is easier to treat and less likely to reoccur after treatment. Call Dr. Heather H. Bobb and our team today if you want to learn more about the correlation between alcohol and oral cancer.