Oral Cancer 101: A Guide to Risks, Symptoms and Treatments
Your regular dental visits can help prevent cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. But did you also know that your dentist plays a key role in the early detection of oral cancer? The American Cancer Society reports that more than 49,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral oropharyngeal cancer yearly, with the disease causing almost 10,000 deaths in a year. Worryingly, the Oral Cancer Foundation notes that the high death rate can be attributed to the late detection of cancer. There is no comprehensive program to screen for oral cancer, and often it is discovered only at later stages, when the cancer has already metastasized to another location. Regular dental checkups can help detect this disease early. Here’s what you need to know about oral cancer.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Also known as mouth cancer, oral cancer is when a malignant tumor forms in the lining of the mouth. It can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, be it the gums, palate, tongue or insides of the cheeks. Oral cancer can also develop in the tonsils, the salivary glands and the pharynx (which connects the windpipe to the mouth). Categorized as a type of head and neck cancer, oral cancer typically develops on the floor of the mouth or tongue. The metastasization of oral cancer occurs through the lymphatic system, and thus the first signs of oral cancer can be seen in the lymph nodes.
Oral Cancer Resources in Gainesville
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with oral cancer, there are several resources available locally to help you.
Community Cancer Center of North Florida Support Group
A support group can be an invaluable resource for cancer patients to connect with others in the same situation and get the emotional support they need. Organized by the Community Cancer Center of North Florida, this group is facilitated a by licensed counselor. The group is free to join and meets every third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at CCCNF Gainesville. Check their event calendar for more details.
Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine
Need relief for the side effects of cancer treatment? Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine provides acupuncture and various modalities to help cancer patients during their treatments. Call 3523712833 ext. 21 to set up an appointment.
Coping With Cancer by Michelle M. Bishop, Ph.D.
Michelle Bishop is a licensed psychologist who provides therapy to help survivors and their loved ones deal with the stress of cancer, treatment and the adjustment to survivorship. She also provides caregiver coaching. She is a preferred provider for Blue Cross and Blue Shield as well as Medicare. Limited slots are available at reduced cost for those with financial hardship. For more information, email [email protected]
Gainesville Health & Fitness Cancer Recovery Program
Whether you’re undergoing treatment or have completed it, this free four-week cancer fitness program by ReQuest Physical Therapy can help you feel better, stronger and healthier through fitness. Call 3523774955 to make an appointment for orientation.
Guided Meditation Class for Cancer Patients
Joan Ellen Kniseley offers a guided meditation class on Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. for cancer patients at the Cancer Center of North Florida Regional. To schedule an initial visit, please call 386-853-0162.
Yoga for Healthcare
Tammy Bernard, an oncology trained yoga professional, offers yoga and meditation classes tailored for cancer survivors and their families. Both group and private classes are available. For more information, contact Tammy at [email protected].
Cancer Connections
The monthly Cancer Connections meeting provides education on the topic as well as highlights the services available in Gainesville. The event is open to patients, survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Contact Barb Thomas at [email protected] or 3523774427 for meeting dates and topics.
Criser Cancer Resource Center
Run by the University of Florida Health, the center is a resource for patients and families to learn more about cancer treatment and recovery. It also organizes support services such as yoga, meditation and dance. The center is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For a list of programs and events, please stop by the Cancer Resource Center or visit the UF Health Community Calendar. Images by: luckybusiness/©123RF Stock Photo, zlikovec/©123RF Stock Photo, racorn/ ©123RF Stock Photo, Anemone123
