Oral Cancer a Big Killer

ORAL cavity  or Oral Cancer is Papua New Guinea’s number one killer DPM staff were told during a one day cancer awareness session held at the Central Government Building in Port Moresby recently.

Clinical Oncologist at the Port Moresby General Hospital Dr Priya Baskara told staff that oral cavity was characterized by poor  oral health with high rates of dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral cancer all linked to the wide spread practice of betel nut chewing.

She said currently PNG was ranked number one in the world for high rates of oral cavity.

Oral cavity are areas in the mouth that includes the lips, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the front two thirds of the tongue, the upper and lower gums, the floor of the mouth under the tongue and the bony roof of the mouth and the small area behind the wisdom tooth.

Dr Priya told staff that by practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, limiting sugary foods and drinks and visiting your dentist for check ups and cleaning was a good step towards ensuring ones health.

Executive Contract Administration & Assessment Executive Manager Marita Kouga said the awareness session was an eye-opener, adding that self-awareness and early detection of for all women and men was a step forward to addressing cancer in PNG.

Dr Priya also conducted clinical breast examinations and oral cavity screening for staff and made recommendations for officers needing further examinations to the General Hospital.