Every April, Sandpiper Dental participates in Oral Cancer Awareness Month to share information, educate our patients and community, and support those working to fight oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, about 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Oral cancer can be life-threatening and lead to long-term health issues, but we can prevent oral cancer by identifying and treating early symptoms!
Know the Signs and Catch Oral Cancer Early
The Oral Cancer Foundation’s Check Your Mouth™ initiative encourages people to check for signs and symptoms of mouth cancer between their routine dental visits.
If you have any of these symptoms or immediate concerns, please contact your dentist as soon as possible. We can perform a thorough examination of your mouth and provide any necessary treatment.
- Mouth sore or ulcer
- Red, white, or black discoloration of the mouth’s soft tissues
- Any abnormality that easily bleeds when touched
- A hard spot, lump, or growth in the mouth
- A firm, fixated, painless lump on the outside of the neck
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Swollen tonsils
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling of food getting caught in the throat
- Earache on one side
What Are the Risk Factors Linked to Oral Cancer?
Research shows that the following are oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer risk factors:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16)
- Ultraviolet light (e.g., people who work outdoors or spend much of their time in UV light)
- Poor nutrition
- Genetic syndromes (e.g., Fanconi anemia, Dyskeratosis congenita)
According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of head, neck, and mouth cancers in those who smoke and drink heavily is 30 times higher than those who don’t. The number of oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV has increased over the past few decades. They’re becoming more common in younger people who have a history of multiple sex partners and no history of alcohol or tobacco use. Contact us today to learn how to reduce your risk of oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Screening in Jackson Beach, FL
If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening, there’s no better time than now to schedule an appointment with Dr. Doan. We screen for oral cancer during every routine dental check-up, and we will always openly discuss your oral health goals and concerns with you. Please get in touch with us today to schedule your dental exam!