 Your cancer care team already includes an oncologist and a radiologist. Did you know you need a dentist, too? Many cancer patients do not know visiting a dentist can make a tremendous difference in their cancer treatments.
A new campaign, "Oral Health, Cancer Care, and You: Fitting the Pieces Together," from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) focuses on how proper care for the mouth can prevent or minimize painful complications that affect up to one-third of patients undergoing cancer treatments.
Of the 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year, approximately 400,000 will develop oral side effects from their treatments. "The overriding reason for the campaign is we now have a lot of information on how to decrease the risks of oral complications associated with cancer treatments," said Deborah McGuire, PhD, RN, associate professor at Emory University.
"By getting an oral evaluation before treatment and good oral care during treatment, side effects can be minimized and therefore improve the success of the cancer treatment and the patient?s quality of life," said Philip Fox, DDS, former NIDCR clinical director.
Complications involving the mouth occur in almost all patients receiving head and neck radiation, in more than 75 percent of bone marrow transplant recipients, and in nearly 40 percent of patients receiving chemotherapy. Among the most common are painful inflamed gums, mouth ulcers, bleeding, infection, and salivary gland dysfunction that can lead to dry mouth and tooth decay.
"In some cases when oral complications are severe, cancer treatments have to be stopped. This may mean the patient is unable to receive a full dose of the cancer treatment," said Dr. McGuire.
A real partnership is needed in order to deal with and prevent these devastating consequences," Dr. McGuire added. "The focus of the campaign is to form a collaborative team effort between the dental professional, the oncology professional, both doctor and nurse, and the patient to help minimize and prevent the risk of oral complications."
Materials for health professionals and patients are available from the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse by calling toll-free 1-877-216-1019 or www.aerie.com/nohicweb.
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