The Ministry of Health of Jujuy, through the Provincial Directorate of Dentistry and the public Stomatology strategy, has issued a reminder about the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of oral cancer in connection with December 5, which is observed as both Latin American and National Day in response to Oral Cancer.
Oral cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide, affecting over 700,000 people each year. The disease develops mainly in the mouth cavity, lips, gums, tongue, and palate.
Health authorities stress that early detection greatly increases the chances of cure. Regular dental check-ups are recommended from childhood and throughout life to help identify precancerous or cancerous lesions and potential risks associated with the disease.
“If you notice any type of lesion on your tongue, lips, gums, palate, inside your cheeks, jaws, salivary glands or floor of your mouth that does not heal within 15 days or if there is a change in color in the mucosae, numbness in areas of the oral cavity, neck nodes or unexplained tooth mobility, you should seek dental consultation immediately,” said officials.
The main risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco and alcohol use; human papillomavirus (HPV); infections in the mouth; consumption of very hot food and drinks; sharp-edged teeth; poorly fitted dentures or prosthesis hooks that cause injury; excessive sun exposure (which is why lip sunscreen is recommended); high consumption of red meat; and drinking water with high arsenic content.
Soft tissue examinations are always performed free of charge at dental clinics in primary health care centers (CAPS) and public hospitals across the province.
