Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and oral cancer is no different. In fact, many well-known people throughout history, including U.S. presidents Grover Cleveland and Ulysses S. Grant, Sigmund Freud, Babe Ruth, Lana Turner, and Rod Stewart, have suffered from oral cancer. Overall, 53,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, according to research by the Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral Cancer 101
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PREVENTION AND TESTING
PREVENTION Your habits play a critical role in preventing cancer. Tobacco and alcohol use increase your chances of developing oral cancer, but your diet and exposure to the sun can also put you at risk. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 1 in 4 people diagnosed with oral cancer are not tobacco users and only drink occasionally. Abstaining from excessive alcohol and tobacco usage is a great way to lower your risk, but also keeping your sun exposure and diet in check gives you the best chance of preventing oral cancer altogether. SCREENINGS The best way to monitor your oral cancer risk is by attending regular dental appointments, where screenings are the norm. Dental experts are trained to screen for oral cancer, and they will often feel around the neck and throat for concerning signs. Some experts also use a VELscope exam, which uses fluorescent lighting to highlight any abnormalities in the mouth. Many of these tests are noninvasive and can be performed quickly at a dental clinic. If dental experts find evidence of oral cancer during an exam, they can refer patients to clinics for further testing.
You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to learn about the prevention efforts and tests for this debilitating disease. Prepare yourself by checking out the points below.
DETAILS Oral cancer can appear as an abnormality on your lips, tongue, cheeks,
mouth, sinuses, or throat. This life-threatening disease can create swelling, bruises, lesions, speckled patches, and face sores. These symptoms
can additionally lead to difficulty speaking, swallowing, and ear pain. While cancer can affect anyone, there are some demographics that have a higher chance of getting an oral cancer diagnosis. Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease as women, with men over 50 being the most vulnerable.
You can learn more about oral cancer, prevention, treatments, and screenings online at OralCancerFoundation.org.
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
SUDOKU
STRAWBERRY MANGO PALETAS
Ingredients
• 1 1/4 cups strawberries, chopped • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 2 medium ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and chopped
Directions
1. In a small saucepan, toss strawberries with 1/4 cup of the sugar and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. 2. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a
6. In the blender, purée strawberry mixture until smooth. 7. Into eight 3-ounce ice pop molds, spoon 2 tablespoons mango purée. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry purée to each mold, then top with remaining mango purée, leaving 1/2 inch between filling and top of mold. 8. Using a small knife, gently swirl mango and strawberry layers together. 9. Insert wooden ice pop sticks and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours and preferably overnight. 10. Dip molds in hot water for a few seconds, then unmold paletas and serve immediately.
simmer over moderate heat. Cook strawberries until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1
tablespoon of the lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. 4. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes. 5. Meanwhile, in a blender, purée mangoes with remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Scrape into a medium bowl and clean the blender.
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