Every year, oral cancer claims 700 lives in Nigeria, according to FG

 

746 Nigerians die each year from issues related to oral cancer, according to health

minister Osagie Ehanire. This information was revealed by Mr. Ehanire at a one-day oral cancer workshop on Monday in Abuja. He was there in person through Gloria Uzo-Igwe, director of the federal health ministry's dentistry section.

Any area of the mouth can develop oral cancer, which is also known as oral cavity cancer. A sore that doesn't heal, a lump, or a white or red area on the inside of the mouth are some of its symptoms.

The minister expressed concern that the majority of people were ignorant of oral cancer's catastrophic impact on the nation.

He noted that the health ministry FMOH is stepping up its awareness campaign and claimed that the mortality rate is higher than that of the other cancers. "We are going to introduce a policy on oral health in November. Ours is preventive, and we visit communities to spread awareness, the man stated.

The policy aim, according to the minister, should be able to map at least 50% of the population in rural areas and guarantee that primary health care facilities have better professionals on staff.

"What we refer to as a comprehensive center is our goal. In every state's three geopolitical zones, there at least needs to be a dental clinic with a dentist, therapist, and hygienist, according to Mr. Ehanire.

Oral cancer was not a very common condition in the United States, according to Bukola Adeyemi of the University College Ibadan.

"That means that over 50% of people who are diagnosed with oral cancer die every year in the country," she said, adding that "that is enormous because these are people who are very important to some people." She added that if over 1,000 cases of oral cancer were diagnosed each year and over 700 of those cases passed away.

ORAL CANCER ; Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is where a tumour develops in a part of the mouth. It may be on the surface of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth (palate), the lips or gums.

What are 5 signs of oral cancer?

Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include:

A lip or mouth sore that doesn't heal.

A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth.

Loose teeth.

A growth or lump inside your mouth.

Mouth pain.

Ear pain.

Difficult or painful swallowing.

Is oral cancer curable?

Oral cancer is fairly common. It can be cured if found and treated at an early stage (when it's small and has not spread). A healthcare provider or dentist often finds oral cancer in its early stages because the mouth and lips are easy to examine. Almost all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

OVERVIEW 

Cancer that develops in any part of the mouth.

Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Symptoms include a sore that doesn't heal, a lump or a white or red patch on the inside of the mouth.

Treatment includes surgery and radiation therapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be required