Introduction
Introduction
Every year in the United Kingdom, approximately 3,500 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. About half these people will die of the disease. On average, four people in the UK die every day from oral cancer.
At present in Scotland, the incidence of oral cancer is around 530 cases per year. By comparison, approximately 350 and 590 new cases of cancer of the uterine cervix and malignant melanoma of the skin, respectively, are diagnosed each year in Scotland. Despite its relatively low public profile, the number of deaths per year is comparable to that of cancer of the uterine cervix and higher than malignant melanoma.
Every year in the United Kingdom, approximately 3,500 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. About half these people will die of the disease. On average, four people in the UK die every day from oral cancer.
In recent years, there has been a marked rise in the incidence of oral cancer. The disease occurs generally in those over the age of 50 years, but the recent rise in incidence has particularly affected younger age groups. It should now be appreciated that oral cancer can occur in either gender, at any age.
The aetiology of oral cancer is complex. However, the majority of patients with oral cancer smoke and/or drink alcohol to excess - the combination of smoking and drinking significantly increases the risk. There is also a clear association between social deprivation and incidence rates of oral cancer.
Unfortunately, many patients with oral cancer present late, and have a resulting poor prognosis. By contrast, early diagnosis and treatment is associated with a good outcome. Late detection makes more radical treatment necessary, leading to increased morbidity associated with loss of function, aesthetics and psychological health. Since oral cancer is readily detectable and identifiable at an early stage, it should be possible to improve detection and hence prognosis. However, the relatively poor five-year survival rates for oral cancer patients can only be improved by increasing an awareness of the disease amongst health professionals and the public, and by instituting appropriate screening methods to ensure early diagnosis.
Unfortunately, those most at risk are least likely to be regular dental attenders and, thus, are denied the benefits of frequent intra-oral screening opportunities. Hence, the importance of encouraging dental attendance, and also of conducting intra-oral examinations in other health-care settings, should be recognised.