April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a serious condition that often goes unnoticed. While many people think of cancer in terms of more common areas like the lungs or skin, oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year. And unfortunately, it’s often diagnosed far too late. But there is good news. A quick screening from your dentist is all it takes to potentially catch it early, drastically increasing the effectiveness of your treatment. Keep reading to learn how.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can appear in your mouth, lips, tongue, throat, or even your sinuses. Like many forms of cancer, it can start small and grow silently. You probably won’t notice the symptoms right away, which is why routine screenings are so important.
Common warning signs include:
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Persistent pain or numbness
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- A lump or thickening in the cheek
If you experience any of these or other abnormalities, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Why Dental Screenings Matter
During your regular checkups, dentists don’t just look at your teeth. They also perform several routine checks for oral health problems, like screening for signs of oral cancer. These exams are quick, painless, and could be life-saving.
This is because early detection can significantly improve survival rates. In fact, when caught early, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is around 85 percent. But when found late, that number drops sharply.
Getting screened during Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a simple but impactful way to take care of yourself for the future.
Who’s at Risk for Oral Cancer?
While it’s impossible to determine who will or won’t show signs of cancer, there are certain lifestyle choices that can increase your risk, including:
- Tobacco use (smoking and chewing)
- Heavy alcohol use
- Excessive sun exposure on your lips
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infections
- A family history of cancer
Even if you don’t fit into any of these high-risk categories, oral cancer can affect anyone. This means that no matter who you are, screenings are still important.
Whether you’re at risk for developing oral cancer or you’ve just been lax in your dental visits lately, today is a great day to schedule an appointment. So, pick up your phone or head online to contact your dental team. Who knows? It might even save your life!
About the Author
Dr. John White is a compassionate and caring dentist who loves helping patients succeed. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina, taking post-doctoral training at Wake Forest University’s Baptist Hospital and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. For many years, he’s provided comprehensive preventive care, allowing every patient to smile fearlessly. If you want to join them, call (520) 521-0387 to schedule an appointment at John White, DDS, or visit our website to learn more.