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According to the American Cancer Society, every year 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, and 11,230 Americans lose their battle with this disease. 1 in 60 men and 1 in 140 women will develop oral cancer during their lives. When it’s found early, oral cancer is easily treatable. However, many Americans don’t discover that they have cancer until it's too late.
Why Lumos Dental Screens for Oral Cancer
At Lumos, we screen all our patients for cancer during their comprehensive exams. In the early stages, oral cancer is often hidden in hard-to-see areas like the roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks, or under the tongue. We do a careful check to look for slight variations in your oral tissue. We’re committed to catching cancer early so that our patients can live long, happy lives.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Certain conditions can put you at higher risk for oral cancers. These include:
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to keep your regular dental appointments so that you can get screened. When we catch oral cancer in the early stages, it is easy to remove and treat. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, call and schedule so we can complete an oral cancer screening and save your life!
Can oral cancer be prevented?
One of the best ways to prevent oral cancer is to minimize your risk factors. Talk to your doctor to see if you are eligible for the HPV vaccine. If you have GERD symptoms, seek treatment. Wear a hat and sunscreen when you're outside, and make sure that sunscreen covers your lips.
If you’re a tobacco user or a heavy drinker, ask your physician for help quitting or cutting back. Try to increase the number and variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Try to add more exercise to your routine. Visit the dentist every six months so that the early disease stages get noticed and treated.
No preventative measure is 100% effective, but the healthier you are, the lower your risk of cancer and the better your odds of beating the disease if you do get sick. Do you need an appointment to get screened for oral cancer? Call our office – we're here to help you light up the world!
By Lumos Dental
April 28, 2022
