Although mouth cancer can affect anyone, a staggering 91% of all diagnosis can be linked to lifestyle.
We are not trying to be party poopers here, but the evidence is out there. The use of tobacco, drinking alcohol to excess and poor diet can individually all significantly increase your risk. Start adding them together and your risk can increase up to 30 times.
Like a lot of things, it’s all about moderation. A glass of wine here and there, spread over a few days, is much better than drinking a whole bottle in one night. Smokers are 7 times more likely to develop throat cancer, than non smokers , but adding a morning cigarette to your habit, will double your chances further.
On a more positive note, studies do show that those with a high intake of fruit in their diet lower their risk by a massive 48%. So maybe eating that apple left in the fruit bowl, now seems like a better idea!
But, not everyone wants to make the change, and we understand that, so that’s why when you come to see us at Bancroft Dentistry, Hitchin, we carry out a visual examination and check for the early signs of mouth cancer.
It’s all about being able to make an informed choice …. maybe a small change in your lifestyle could help to keep you healthy!
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