科学｜若年層の舌がん増加の原因とは / Science | What are the causes of the increase in tongue cancer among young people?

Summary

In recent years, the incidence of tongue cancer among young people has been increasing, with the number doubling over the past 20 years.

One contributing factor is thought to be the narrow and small dental arches characteristic of modern individuals. Tongue cancer often presents symptoms similar to those of oral ulcers, which can lead to it being underestimated; however, neglecting it can result in serious consequences. Through interviews with dental professionals, we provide a detailed explanation of the risk factors for tongue cancer and effective preventive measures.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Hey, Log, did you know that there’s been an increase in tongue cancer among young people lately?
Log: Yeah, I’ve heard about that. It seems like narrow dental arches are a big factor.
Chako: How does the alignment of teeth relate to it?
Log: When your teeth are crowded, it makes the mouth more cramped, which can lead to more canker sores that can go unnoticed.
Navi: Just to add, tongue cancer can have similar symptoms in its early stages, making early detection quite difficult.
Chako: I see! We really need to go to the dentist and get checked out properly.
Log: Exactly. I think early prevention is really important.

Admin’s Note

The increase in tongue cancer among younger people is a very concerning phenomenon. I was particularly surprised to learn that having a narrow dental arch can be a risk factor. Considering that regular oral care and routine dental check-ups can help prevent tongue cancer, it is especially important to raise awareness among the younger generation. I believe it is essential to organize information calmly like a log and to maintain a curious mindset like Chako. I want to continue paying attention to this issue in the future.