Biology Oral Cancer

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All cancer has a genetic basis. It is triggered by mutations in the genes of a cell which then cause the cell to abnormally reproduce. Many of these gene changes are caused by random mutations when the cell is dividing. It only takes one cell mutating to cause cancer. There are no symptoms for the beginning of cancer and only five to ten percent of all cancers are caused by parents passing down genetic mutations to their children. The remaining are caused by environmental changes (Douglas).

Cancer directly affects the lives of approximately 13.7 million Americans. In 2014 alone it is estimated that there will be 1,665,540 patients diagnosed with cancer (Jones). Of these people, 43, 250 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer (Douglas). 585,720 Americans are expected to die of cancer in 2014 at a rate of almost 1,600 people per day. Cancer has become the second most common cause of death in the US. It accounts for 1 in every 4 deaths despite having an 80 to 90% survival rate for oral cancer (Jones).

While doctors are not always sure as to why one person is more susceptible to oral cancer then another, they do know that oral cancer is not contagious. There are no known forms of cancer that are contagious. There are certain risk factors that make some people more likely than others to develop cancer (Jones). Oral cancer is very dangerous because it is not usually noticed by the patient in its early stages.

Human Papillomavirus is a common viral infection that has emerged as an important risk factor. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for getting this disease; although there is a vaccine to prevent it. Once someone has HPV they are more at risk for genital warts and Cervical cancer (CDC). It can years for the symptoms to ...

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...ause harmful side effects when mixed with the drugs that are a part of cancer treatment (Gillison).

Cancer of the lips can be cause by exposure to the sun. Using lotion or lip balm or sunscreen can reduce the risk. As well as wearing a hat with a brim(Jones). Some studies have also suggested that not eating enough fruits and vegetables may increase the chance of getting oral cancer (Douglas).

Oral cancer can be deadly if it is not caught early on. It is important for people to look at the chances of them getting oral cancer and if they have a family history. They need to understand that there are environmental factors around them that they can avoid to ensure they live as long and as healthy a life they can. Cancer is not avoidable; however, it is important for people to do everything in there power to avoid the disease that if not caught can do harm to so many.

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