Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are More Important Than You Think for Seniors

Uncategorized  |  May 11, 2019

Seniors, who may be facing a number of chronic conditions as it is and losing a lot of all of their strength, do not often think about oral cancer. It may be the last thing on their mind. However, it should not be something that is overlooked and oral cancer screenings should be something they do on a regular basis. This year alone, as many as 5,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer. This is an important number for seniors as a large chunk of those will be individuals over the age of 65 because advanced age is a risk factor.

The good news is that the survival rates for oral cancer are actually pretty high. Statistics show that as many as 65% of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer will live past five years. At the same time, if caught early, it can be effectively treated with an 85 percent survival rate past five years.

If your loved one has complained about certain sensations you think could be related to oral cancer, it is important to act quickly. Do not push off a visit to the doctor and keep reading to find out more about what oral cancer is.

What is oral cancer?

Let’s start with what oral cancer is exactly. This is an umbrella term referring to cancers occurring on the floor and roof of the mouth, teeth, gums, lips and cheeks, and the front of the tongue. Oral cancer can also occurring in the middle region of the throat and the back of the mouth.

What are the early signs?

Early signs of oral cancer include soreness, irritation, mobility issues with one’s mouth or jaw, lumps, thick patches of skin, tenderness, numbness, chewing problems, and trouble swallowing.

What are the available treatment options?

There are a number of treatment options available for oral cancer. They are surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and medication.

How Comfort Keepers Can Help

Having a caregiver around can make a huge difference in your loved one’s life. Having a helping hand can help them make time for things like oral cancer screenings which can end up saving their lives. If you would like to see if our home care can help your loved one, contact us today!

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