Stop Smoking to Reduce Risk of Mouth Cancer

Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon, advises patients that there is a significant increase in the number of mouth cancer cases being diagnosed in the United Kingdom each and every year.

This top Manchester based dentist has advised that more public awareness is needed regarding oral cancer. While the figures continue to rise year after year, the number of people actually aware of this cancer is limited. In fact, according to Tariq Drabu, oral cancer is now the tenth most common cancer in men and the fifteenth most common cancer in women throughout the country.

Effects of Smoking

Smoking has a negative effect on the body, according to Tariq Drabu. He also mentioned that most people who smoke are aware of the dangers, but find that giving up the habit is harder said than done. Some of the side effects of smoking include lung disease, heart disease and an increased risk of stroke.

Interestingly what most people don't know is that more than ninety percent of oral cancer cases are lifestyle related, the majority of which are related to those who smoke. Giving up smoke does and will reduce your risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer now or later.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious concern nationwide. There are seven thousand five hundred new cases being diagnosed in the United Kingdom each and every year, of this more than two thousand patients die each year from this horrific disease.

As with any form of cancer, catching the disease in the early stages increases chances of recovery. Diagnosing and treating cancer in the early stages can increase lifespan by more than five years.

The role of the dental profession

As a dental professional, Tariq Drabu feels that dentists could play a more important role in smoking cessation than they are already. Currently dentists are responsible for diagnosing and treating tooth and gum issues, they also play a vital role in diagnosing potential oral cancer and ensuring patients get the confirmation and treatment they deserve.

Tariq Drabu mentioned that because smoking is one of the top causes for oral cancer, he believes that dentists should take the time to educate their patients on smoking and oral cancer, the links between the two along with options to help the patients stop smoking without delay.