Is oral cancer knocking on your door? -- A guide to protecting the elderly

As the aging population in my country continues to increase, having a healthy oral cavity is the cornerstone of overall health for the elderly. The elderly are at high risk of oral cancer. Improving the elderly's awareness of oral cancer prevention and identifying the early "signals" of oral cancer are crucial for having a healthy oral cavity and a happy old age.

1. Beware of becoming a "high-risk" group for oral cancer

The incidence of oral cancer ranks sixth among malignant tumors. The high-risk groups for oral cancer include the middle-aged and elderly, people with oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematosus and other oral precancerous lesions, people who smoke, drink, chew betel nuts for a long time, have poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, high blood sugar, low immunity or imbalance, or people with a family history of cancer. These specific groups are "high-risk" groups for oral cancer due to their living habits, environmental exposure or physiological factors, and need to be particularly vigilant.

2. Accurately identify early "signals" of oral cancer

1. Oral ulcers that do not heal for a long time : If you find that an ulcer in a certain part of your mouth continues to not heal, accompanied by mild or severe pain or bleeding symptoms, you should go to a dental specialist for examination.

2. Abnormal color of oral mucosa : If there are white or (and) red patches in the mouth that cannot be wiped off, or black patches that grow rapidly, you should be alert to the possibility of precancerous lesions.

3. Symptoms of oral mucosal pain: Pain in a small number of patients is an early symptom of oral cancer. If there is unexplained oral mucosal pain or the condition cannot be confirmed by self-examination, further examination by a dental specialist is required.

4. Abnormal oral mucosal texture : If unexplained lumps or lumps appear in the mouth, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Swollen cervical lymph nodes : Swollen cervical lymph nodes without tenderness may be a sign of oral cancer metastasis.

3. Practical tips for protecting oral health

1. Quit smoking, drinking and betel nut chewing : Smoking, chewing betel nut and drinking alcohol increase the risk of oral cancer.

2. Prevent scalding, sunburn and infection : Avoid overheated or irritating foods. Long-term exposure to the sun can increase the risk of lip cancer. Infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Candida albicans are related to oral cancer.

3. Avoid trauma and protect the mucosa : remove residual roots and crowns of teeth that cannot be retained, treat caries in a timely manner, etc., to reduce damage to the oral mucosa.

4. Eat a healthy diet to strengthen immunity : Eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, and reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sugar and processed foods.

5. Maintain hygiene and have regular physical examinations : Brush your teeth and use dental floss regularly to prevent oral infection and inflammation. It is recommended that high-risk groups follow the doctor's advice for regular check-ups, and that the elderly undergo oral specialist examinations every year to detect and treat oral risks early.

Oral health is closely related to overall health. Active prevention and early identification of oral cancer are crucial to oral health and life safety. I hope this oral cancer prevention guide will protect the oral health of every elderly person!

Author: Yan Zhimin and Wang Luling, Department of Oral Mucosa, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology