Every year in Uganda, thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer. Unfortunately, most cases are detected too late because many people are unaware of the early warning signs. Oral cancer affects the mouth, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, lips, and throat. Like all cancers, early detection significantly increases survival rates, with more than 80 to 90 percent surviving if caught early.
However, the prognosis declines as the cancer progresses. The good news is that skilled dentists can often spot suspicious lesions long before they become serious and can order tests to confirm or rule out malignancies.
Major risk factors in Uganda
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors increase the risk. Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, kuber, snuff, or chewing tobacco, is a major contributor. Heavy alcohol consumption also raises the risk, especially when combined with tobacco. Chronic irritation caused by broken teeth or ill-fitting dentures can also make the mouth more vulnerable.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is another risk, particularly in younger patients, while excessive sun exposure is linked to lip cancer. It is important to remember that even non-smokers and non-drinkers can develop oral cancer, so everyone should stay alert.
Early warning signs
Most oral cancers progress slowly, which makes early detection possible. Be attentive to any sore, lump, or ulcer in your mouth that does not heal within two to three weeks, or any white or red patches on the lips or inside the mouth.
Unexplained bleeding, persistent pain, or difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue can also be warning signs. Swelling that affects how dentures fit, numbness in the mouth or lips, persistent earaches on one side without hearing loss, or loose teeth with no obvious dental cause should not be ignored.
To perform a self-check, stand in front of a mirror with good lighting. Gently retract your lips, examine your tongue from all sides, feel under the tongue, and inspect all soft tissue areas in your mouth. If anything unusual persists for more than two weeks, visit a dentist immediately.
Prevention and screening
Oral cancers are easier to prevent than to cure. Protect yourself by minimising exposure to the risk factors mentioned above and by attending regular dental check-ups. During these visits, dentists can perform a quick, painless oral cancer screening that takes only two minutes but can be life-saving.
Therefore, make a promise to yourself to check your mouth monthly and visit your dentist at least once a year. Early discovery is still the strongest protection against oral cancer.