Mouth Cancer Symptoms: The number of alcohol drinkers has increased rapidly in the last few years. Even those who call themselves party and social drinkers are at risk. Yes, even those who drink just one peg daily are at risk of cancer. Such people can also get mouth cancer, which till now most people used to associate only with smoking or chewing tobacco. But it is not limited to these habits only. Many people believe that if they do not consume tobacco then their risk of mouth cancer is less, but there are many small things which increase the risk of cancer. Even having one drink every day increases the risk of mouth cancer.
A study by the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology and Homi Bhabha National Institute found that more than 6 out of 10 cases of oral cancer in India are linked to alcohol and the use of smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini, and paan. According to this study, tobacco and alcohol consumption account for 62% of all oral cancers in the country. While tobacco is a major risk factor, reports suggest that alcohol consumption can also significantly increase the risk of oral cancer.
Why is alcohol increasing the risk of oral cancer?
According to doctors, drinking alcohol produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which damages the DNA in mouth cells. Secondly, drinking alcohol causes the mouth tissues to die, allowing harmful substances to easily enter the body. Third, alcohol reduces saliva production, preventing your mouth from functioning properly as a natural defense system. This can cause inflammation. If this happens continuously, it can cause problems in cell repair, increasing the risk of the cell becoming cancerous.
Early symptoms of mouth cancer
Early symptoms of oral cancer can be recognized, such as persistent white or red patches of tissue inside the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth fully, bleeding without a clear cause, loose teeth, and pain with eating and drinking. If these symptoms persist for more than 2 to 3 weeks, you should see a doctor immediately.
