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I love my sister. I only have one. She’s the older by two years. Hence, she’s been at my side for as long as I’ve had memory and then some. I’m sixty. Oh, did I say, I love my sister.

My sister smokes cigarettes (now, several packs a day).  My visual of her since college age is lighting up a Tarryton 100 and alternately gesturing elegantly and taking a long slow drag. A graduate of the 70’s textile industry two-hour client lunches, she’s always been able to put away a few drinks while doing so.  

When we get together we have mega fun. Except the last time we spent together she complained of a small growth in her mouth. it became apparent that it interfered with her eating. Oh by the way, my sis loves good food. She seemed concerned.  Now, so am I.  Her risk factors for oral cancer are “textbook”.

• About 90% of people with oral cavity cancer smoke or chew tobacco
• About 75% to 80% of all patients with oral cancer often consume alcohol
• People who smoke and also drink alcohol have a much higher risk of cancer than those using only alcohol or tobacco alone.

The following information was provided by Dr. Haig Rickerby (my excellent cosmetic dentist located in Jersey City, NJ.)  He is one of many dentists who now include and recommend a simple diagnostic test for oral cancer as a part of a first office visit. This is because, he says, “Oral cancer is easy to detect.  And, in concert with the goals of the American Dental Association, I want people to realize that oral cancer is out there, that it's a big problem, and that if they have a suspicious condition in the mouth, they should see a dentist.”

Back to my point, I love my sister. I’m certain too that you have friends and relatives who are dear to you that smoke and drink. To you, the concerned bystander, I urge that you
keep the following points in mind and lovingly let them know that they may be at risk for oral cancer.

1. It’s a good idea to look at your mouth in a mirror every month to check for any abnormal areas. If you've got something in your mouth that's pearly white and not a tooth—or that's red and not something you were born with—it might be a pre-cancerous condition.  
2. A simple, painless procedure can detect pre-cancerous conditions in the mouth.
3. Early treatment (if needed) can stop oral cancer before it really begins.
4. Don’t delay in seeing a dentist when a sore or unusual area in the mouth doesn't heal within a couple of weeks. Passing time without treatment can lower your chances of surviving any type of cancer. Swift action might, in fact, save your life!  
5. Quit using tobacco to immediately reduce your chance of getting oral cancer and several other kinds of cancer. 

AT A GLANCE: Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Signs and symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:

1. Any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning or a sore that will not heal
2. Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
3. Development of a lump, or a leathery, wrinkled or bumpy patch inside your mouth color changes to your oral soft tissues (gray, red or white spots or patches), rather than
   a healthy pink color
4. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
5. Any change in the way your teeth fit together.

Dr. Haig Rickerby is an accredited general dentist with 20 years of experience in restoring, realigning and replacing teeth.  His practice is located at:

One Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone:201-656-2221
www.drhrickerby.com

Gail M. Curtis is the founder and principal of GMCurtis Marketing
Solutions, a consulting firm that provides  strategic and effective
marketing solutions for business, organizations and entrepreneurs.

For more information on the services of GM Curtis Marketing Solutions, call Gail at 973-337-8191 or visit www.gmcurtis.com.