Oral cancer occurs in the squamous cells that are in the layers of tissue of the mouth and throat. The DNA in those cells change causing them to grow out of control and develop into a tumor. This tumor will usually look like a sore or a bump that won’t go away. It can appear on the lips, the insides of the cheeks, around and on the tongue, the throat, and the gums. Often it is originally mistaken for a cold sore or canker sore but then unlike those, it doesn’t go away after a short time. A home care assistance provider can help with monitoring the issue with your senior.

Risk Factors for Developing Oral Cancer

Some factors are unavoidable (such as the fact that men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women), but others can be addressed now by your home care assistance provider or to help reduce the risk of your loved one developing oral cancer as he ages. More than 50,000 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2023 so taking steps now where possible will help make sure your loved one doesn’t become a statistic.

Using tobacco. It’s not only smoking that causes oral cancer, it is also related to smokeless tobacco as well like snuff or chewing tobacco. Vaping hasn’t been studied yet, but some studies are showing it creates the same damage to cells as smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars.

• Help your loved one join a cessation program if he still uses tobacco in any form. Quitting a nicotine addiction can require help and support to completely stop using the products. Your home care assistance provider can be a great member of this support team if your loved one is ready to quit.

Drinking alcohol regularly. Oral cancers are almost five times more likely to occur in alcohol users compared to those who don’t drink alcohol. When combined with tobacco use, it can greatly increase the risk.

• As with tobacco, providing a support system for your loved one to quit might be necessary. If your loved one just needs to stop enjoying alcohol occasionally, help him find some delicious non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy instead. He might find it fun to create some non-alcoholic drinks with his home care assistance provider or other guests. Be creative!

Excessive sun exposure. Too much sun without protection can increase the risk of developing oral cancer on the lips.

• While you can’t travel back in time and undo the risks created when he was young, making sure his lips are well protected when going outside is important now. He should keep a lip balm on hand at all times that has an SPF of 30. It should be applied regularly whenever your loved one spends any time outside. When grabbing important items to leave the home like wallet, phone, and keys, have his home care assistance provider add “lip balm” to that list so he’s never without it.

Family history. While you can’t change the family history, knowing that your loved one has had family members with oral cancer, can help you or his home care assistance provider make sure he gets that sore on his lip checked out sooner than later.

Early Oral Cancer Detection Greatly Improves Survival Rates

Early diagnosis is important with oral cancers so that they can be treated and removed immediately. Early diagnosis has an overall 5-year survival rate of 86 percent.

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-cancer

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Assistance Services in Arnold MD, please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258

A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Baltimore, Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.

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Venus Ricks, RN CM/DN

CEO/Founder at Vital Sign Home Care

Venus Ricks love for people and desire to help others is why she became a Nurse. As a Registered Nurse, Venus took her nursing experience beyond the hospital floors. Inspired by her own story and desire to help others, she launched her healthcare training center. Ambitions at heart, never letting any grass grow under her feet, she didn't stop at training. Her tenure as a Delegating Nurse and need, motivated her to open Mabel's House Assisted Living in honor of her grandmother Mabel, serving the elderly and vulnerable population. Simultaneously, Vital Sign Home Care was also launched, serving the same population.

Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.

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