Oral cancer rising: Surgeon

 By HENRY PAMBUAI

THERE has been an overwhelming increase in oral cancer patients in recent years and the statistics are alarming, a doctor says.

Health Department’s chief of dentistry Dr Matupi Apaio, who is the only oral maxillofacial surgeon in the country, said they were now seeing at least a case per week – a worrying trend.

“The number of cancer patients has dramatically increased especially mouth cancer patients in the country,” he said.

“Previously, only one or two (cases) will come in months at a time.

“Many referrals around the country don’t get sent in because they are at the late stages. Only the cases that are manageable are sent to Port Moresby.”

He said the negligence of proper oral hygiene and poor dietary changes were to be blamed for tooth decay and poor gums.

They eventually led to mouth cancer and other diseases of the mouth.

“We are at a stage were lifestyle diseases are killing people in the country so we should all have to be cautious about what we eat,” he said.

“Refined sugar will not only cause tooth decay but it will draw other medical problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

“So diet is the most important factor to regulate and maintain our health.”

Apaio said people who had poor diets usually experienced complications at the peak of their careers – between 40 and 50 years old. 

He encouraged people to maintain a good diet.