Thursday, February 22, 2018

Oral Cancer and Alcohol

Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah has been part of the care team for many oral cancer patients. In order to help prevent more people from getting this disease, we at our dental office wanted to pass along the findings of a new report by the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) which found a connection between oral cancer and alcohol.


Many people are unaware of the fact that alcohol is a contributor to cancer, but the ASCO found that alcohol is the cause of about 5-6% of new cancer cases each year. That statistic included cancer in the oral cavity and the esophagus. In fact, oral cancer, unlike liver cancer, is something drinkers are at increased risk for even if they only use alcohol in moderation. The type of alcohol consumed (hard liquor vs. beer and wine) did not appear to have any impact, but the risk was heightened if the patient also smoked. Because so many people are unaware that alcohol is carcinogenic, many of them continue to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with cancer and oral chemotherapy is often compromised as a result. We provide oral cancer screenings at Dr. Shah’s office at every dental check-up visit and help our patients to manage medication side-effects such as dry mouth, but we hope this information will lead to fewer cases and better outcomes.


Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

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