April is oral cancer awareness month. Campaign aims to raise public attention to this disease.
Oral cancer is often used to describe a number of cancers that originate from the mucosal organ epithelium and localize in the oral cavity. They most commonly occur on the tongue and floor of the mouth, but can also appear on the inner surfaces of the cheeks, gums, palate, tonsils, and salivary glands. The average age at diagnosis is about 67 years. The main risk factors for developing most types of oral malignancies are excessive use of tobacco and alcohol.
Tongue and mouth cancer can occur in anyone, but it is more often caused by risk factors. Most of these factors can be eliminated, so oral cancer can be considered a preventable disease. It is important to check your lips and mouth regularly for any unusual changes. If you notice anything alarming, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist to have them examine you. Treatment should be individualized based on the specific clinical situation.
Oral cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (including brachytherapy). GCT is actively involved in cancer research and drug development. We have solid experience in Phase I-IV clinical studies in Oncology, with about 15 percent of the trials we conduct involving various types of cancer. To learn more about our background in cancer research, please contact us at bd@gctrials.com.