Mouth Cancer: Protective Sex is Essential

Did you know that among the most prevalent tumors in young americans up to 40 years old, the oropharyngeal tumor, known as mouth cancer, - located behind the mouth and including the base of the tongue, roof of the mouth, tonsils and sidewalls - reaches about 14,700 people a year in USA?

 



 

The number of cases related to papilloma virus (HPV) infection has been increasing in men and women, and its transmission occurs through unprotected sexual practice, especially through oral sex. "What happens is that the risk of developing the malignant tumor among young people is very high due to the sexual freedom acquired in recent years," explains Andrey S. an oncologist at the  Center for Oncology (CPO).

The virus massively affects the female population. On average, 75% of sexually active Americans will have lifelong contact with HPV, with the peak of virus transmission occurring in the 25s. Together with smoking and alcoholism, virus infection is among the main factors linked to the scenario of early disease developmen.

According to data released in 2018 by the Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC), 59% of Americans do not use condoms as a preventive measure against HPV, and among the 1,500 survey respondents, nearly 30% do not realize that using condoms can reduce their risk of developing oral cancer or any other type

 

Early Signs of Mouth Cancer

 

The first signs of oropharyngeal tumor may appear through wounds that do not heal in the mouth within the first 15 days, in addition to the appearance of lumps in the neck. The patient may also complain of pain to chew or swallow. “These factors, linked to the appearance of small warts in the throat or mouth, may reveal a possible diagnosis associated with HPV. Therefore, it is very important to be closely monitored by an expert, ”says Andrey.

Other symptoms of oral cancer may be related to persistent hoarseness, red or whitish patches / plaques on the tongue, gums, roof of mouth and cheek, as well as damage to the oral cavity or lips and difficulty speaking.

 

Risk factors

SMOKING: According to the CPO oncologist, head and neck cancer has a higher incidence among young people and just over one third is caused by bad habits. "The main and most important thing to fight is smoking," he reveals.

In the past, smoking was seen with elegance and glamor, and was even encouraged by advertisements featuring famous actors smoking their cigarettes, which encouraged this custom among younger people. Frequent cigarette use is also responsible for the appearance of the tumor on the head and neck. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 90% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer were smokers.

 

ALCOHOL: There was a time when cigarettes were released in restaurants and even in the classroom. Today, this is no longer allowed. However, tobacco use persists and, for the most part, has been accompanied by alcoholic beverages. Estimates indicate that 75% of lung cancer cases are due to tobacco use and smokers are about 20 times more likely to develop the disease.

“Alcohol can act as a solvent and facilitate the penetration of carcinogens into target tissues. In addition, it increases the rate of breakdown in genetic material and lipid peroxidation and, consequently, the production of free radicals. Several epidemiological studies have shown that combined alcohol and tobacco consumption is a major risk factor for the development of head and neck cancer, ”explains Andrey.

VIRAL INFECTIONS: The generation of young people and adults under 40 values ​​and values ​​sexual freedom very much. It is a group born after the HIV boom and, although well informed and aware of the risks involving sexually transmitted diseases, has high rates of contagion by the so-called human papillomavirus known as HPV.

“In addition, hepatitis B and C are also risk factors for head and neck cancer, viral infections that can be transmitted in unsafe sex. Always remember the importance of using condoms for the preservation of health ”, concludes Andrey.