Older Patients And Oral Cancer

There remain many mysteries about cancer, its causes and treatments; however, one thing that scientists have been able to agree on is that the risk of a cancer increases with age. 

The median age for a cancer diagnosis today is 66—the number of patients diagnosed with cancer under age 20 only account for 1% of the cancer population. Generally, a longer life span allows pre-cancerous cells—the ones that we all have in our body—the time to mutate. But as confidently as we can say that, there are still unanswered questions that the medical community has been working on for a generation. 

As we age our immune system weakens, and it’s less efficient at targeting pre-cancerous cell mutation. Yes, that’s right—as these cells mutate in younger patients, your immune system is often able to detect and kill the abnormal cells off. And while the likelihood of cancerous growths increases as you age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that cancer does not have to be an inevitable consequence of growing older. 

Oral cancers are part of a group of cancers commonly referred to as head and neck cancers. And of all head and neck cancers, oral cancer cases comprise about 85% of this classification. Brain cancer is a cancer category unto itself and is not included in the head and neck cancer group. 

Oral cancer in older patients is a topic that we here at Josey Lane commonly discuss with all of our patients. Since oral cancer does affect older populations at a much higher rate, we want to help guide you through the outside elements that could increase your likelihood of being diagnosed, as well as any symptoms you should be on the lookout for.  

Risk factors of oral cancer 

Despite all the things the medical community is still studying to learn, we know that aging and oral cancer have a direct correlation. The average age of an oral cancer diagnosis is 62. Men are twice as likely to receive an oral cancer diagnosis, and many experts believe this is related to external risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. More than 90% of oral cancer patients use or used tobacco, making them six times more likely to develop oral cancer as compared with a non-smoker. In addition, 75% of oral cancer patients regularly drink alcohol. While historically this has meant more men were at risk, as the number of women who use tobacco and drink increases, so does the propensity for females to be diagnosed with oral cancer.  

Although we usually think of skin cancer elsewhere on the body, oral cancer can also result from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Cancer on the lips (which is classified as a type of oral cancer) occurs more often among people who work outdoors. 

And, just like with all diseases, there are also genetic links to oral cancer. Several genetic mutations—particularly those related to blood conditions—have been tied to a higher risks of oral cancer. 

Signs of oral cancer  

Older patients and oral cancer often occur together since the early stages of the disease can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Historically, the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high—not because it’s hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Oral cancer generally starts small and can be identified as a small white or red spot or sore in your mouth. Other symptoms can include difficulty chewing or moving your jaw and tongue, sores that don’t heal, pain or numbness, or a change of color in your mouth. 

What can my dentist do? 

Since early diagnosis is vital in oral cancer, it’s essential to maintain bi-annual visits with your dentist. At Josey Lane, we always screen you for cancer. 

Only 35% of oral cancer cases are caught early since this type of cancer can be difficult to spot, not to mention how many people skip their bi-annual appointments altogether. 

If there is something that needs further examination that we spot in your regular cleaning, tissue can be sent to the lab to be studied more thoroughly. Cancer is a very real reminder as to why your dentist is an integral member of your health care team. If you are looking for someone to help provide comprehensive services and work in an integrated manner with your other care providers, then call us at Josey Lane today.