Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality for women, responsible for about 270,000 deaths each year.26 Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among females, followed by breast cancer and colon and rectal cancer.26 Other prevalent cancers among women include cervical, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. While oral cancer is diagnosed more frequently in men than women (2:1), the ratio is reported to narrow with age.27

Figure 4: Cancer in Women

Risk Factors, Prevention& Treatment

Risk factors vary depending on the type of cancer, but there are at least two common factors across all three types of cancer: age and family history. For breast cancer, the risk jumps from one in 210 before the age of 40 to one in 15 for women ages 70 and older.26 The same trend is true for lung, colon and rectal cancer. Family or a personal history of cancer also increases risk. Lifestylerelated factors associated with two or more of the leading cancers among women are tobacco use, alcohol consumption and poor diet.

Prevention generally focuses on lifestyle changes (diet, tobacco cessation, etc.) to eliminate risk factors. Early detection is critical, as evidenced by dramatic increases in five-year survival rates when screening tests have been implemented broadly. For example, the number of deaths from cervical cancer dropped 70 percent since the Pap test was introduced in the 1950s.26 If cancer is detected, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation based upon the individual diagnosis.

Oral Connections

More than half of all cancer patients undergo some type of radiation therapy, which can cause significant oral complications.28 Effects on oral health, including irritation, dry mouth and trouble swallowing, are more common if radiation is on or near the head, neck or other parts of the digestive tract.28 Oral hygiene should be stressed to these patients to reduce the risk of caries. Patients who wear dentures may notice changes with fit due to inflammation of gingival tissues, potentially causing sores in the mouth.