An Overview of the Oral Health Challenges in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Breast cancer has developed to become the leading type of cancer in females. Breast Cancer therapy impacts oral health. A small proportion of BCa patients have received specific information from their dentists about the effects of therapy on oral health. Oral complications from cancer treatments are among the adverse effects breast cancer survivors can experience. Yet such complications are often overlooked in cancer survivorship care. Although many breast cancer survivors are undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy, little is known about the possible oral side effects of this treatment. This review provides an overview of the oral health challenges associated with breast cancer and its treatment, with particular emphasis on dental care considerations before, during, and after cancer therapy.