Posted by DR. GREG PYLE on Apr 7 2017, 04:32 AM
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Are you familiar with this deadly disease? According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), an estimated 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer EVERY YEAR and 9,000 U.S. citizens will die from this horrifying disease.
Oral cancer’s mortality rate isn’t because it’s hard to diagnose, but because cancer is discovered late in its development. Men are 2x more likely to get than women. You can take action to stop this disease before it gets deadly.
Everyone is at risk for oral cancer. Whether you’re in your early 20’s or an active 40-year-old, you’re just as likely to get oral cancer. However, some factors increase your chances of getting oral cancer, including:
If any of these factors apply to you, consider changing your habits to lower your chances of oral cancer.
It’s important to perform a self-examination every month to catch any signs of oral cancer before it gets worse. Using a bright light and a mirror, check your cheek, tongue, the inside of your lips, and gums for:
If you’ve noticed these symptoms, it’s critical to contact your family dentist as soon as possible for an oral cancer screening.
Getting regular screenings performed by your general dentist puts you in the best position to detect oral cancer in its early stages. This is just one more critical reason to keep up with your checkups and cleanings twice a year!
Schedule your visit with us: 765-358-7763
In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, help us spread the word by sharing this blog post. It could save a life!
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