February 4 — World Cancer Day

Tomorrow we observe World Cancer Day — established to raise public awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.

Oncological diseases remain one of the most serious health challenges. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In Poland as well, the statistics remain alarming: reports from the Polish Union of Oncology show that over 170,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, and this number may rise with the aging population.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene for Overall Health
Although we often don’t associate the condition of our gums or teeth with systemic diseases, more and more studies indicate a link between oral health and the risk of certain cancers. Chronic periodontal inflammation, untreated tooth decay, or gum disease can affect the entire body.

Why does this happen? Inflammation in the oral cavity can spread through the bloodstream. Periodontal diseases are associated with the presence of microorganisms and toxins that can lead to chronic activation of the immune system. As a result, the immune system may be constantly triggered to fight pathogens, contributing to chronic inflammation and thereby promoting the development of various diseases — including cancer.

Proper oral hygiene is therefore not only key to a beautiful smile but also an important support for overall health.

How to Care for Oral Health to Support the Entire Body’s Well-being

Prevention remains the most important factor — that is, thorough daily oral hygiene. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, dedicating around two minutes each time to carefully clean all surfaces. Dental floss and a water flosser are also important parts of oral care. They help even more effectively remove food debris and bacteria that accumulate in the interdental spaces.

A properly balanced diet is an invaluable tool in maintaining the health of teeth and gums. Reducing simple sugars and highly processed foods is the first — and very effective — step worth taking.

Brushing the tongue can also be helpful. Bacteria that accumulate on the tongue may aggravate inflammation. As an additional element in the prevention of cavities and periodontal disease, it’s worth including gentle toothpastes with fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or xylitol in your care routine.

Let’s remember that regular dental check-ups remain the most important component of maintaining oral health. A qualified specialist can perform hygiene treatments if needed and respond to any concerning symptoms.

How to Care for the Oral Cavity During Cancer Treatment
For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, support in preventing therapy-related side effects is especially important. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the head and neck area often causes side effects such as dry mucosa (xerostomia), ulcers, gum inflammation, or increased susceptibility to cavities.

To relieve these symptoms, it is recommended to sip water frequently in small amounts, avoid drinks that may further dry out the mucosa (such as strong coffee or tea), and use special moisturizing products.

Gentle yet effective oral care can significantly improve quality of life and help avoid additional complications. Special attention should be given to selecting oral hygiene products. The best choice will be gentle toothpastes free from strong irritating substances (such as SLS, SLES), and alcohol-free mouthwashes with mild action.

It is also advisable to use toothbrushes with soft bristles to avoid irritating sensitive gums and mucosa. In the case of ulcers or other concerning changes, it’s best to consult a dentist, who will recommend appropriate soothing treatments.

Psychological support during treatment is also very important — emotional comfort helps maintain motivation for daily care and improves the ability to cope with the challenges of cancer therapy.

The Role of Prevention in Cancer Risk Reduction
We often say that prevention is easier than cure — and this certainly applies to cancer as well. We should take a holistic approach to prevention, taking care of our overall health and making beneficial choices in all areas of life. Here are a few key pillars to focus on in this context:

Healthy Diet and Physical Activity

A large proportion of cancers is closely linked to our lifestyle. It’s worth incorporating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish into the diet, while eliminating products high in trans fats, processed meats, and simple sugars. Such a change can significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Regular physical activity is equally important — the WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This helps maintain a healthy body weight, improves cardiovascular function, and supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Avoiding Stimulants

Smoking is one of the main risk factors for cancer, particularly of the lungs, oral cavity, throat, and esophagus. Excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to the development of many types of cancer (including liver, colorectal, and breast cancer). Limiting or completely eliminating stimulants is a fundamental element of effective prevention.

Regular Screenings and Diagnostics

Early detection of cancerous changes significantly increases the chances of effective treatment. That’s why regular preventive screenings are so important, such as Pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, skin examinations, or routine ultrasounds. Dental check-ups can help identify alarming symptoms in the oral cavity early on, as well as other changes in the body that may manifest through dental abnormalities.

Let’s remember that each of us can contribute to improving the situation — through regular health check-ups, supporting those affected by the disease, and spreading awareness about prevention.

We wish everyone health, strength, and resilience in the fight against cancer — not only on February 4th, but every day of the year.