April: Oral Cancer Awareness
Did you know that oral cancer claims the life of roughly one person per hour, 24 hours a day? Did you know that oral cancer is one of the most preventable malignancies?
Close to 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. 9,750 of those diagnosed will die, and only slightly half of those 53,000 will live beyond 5 years. The Stamm Dental Wellness team wants to make certain all of our patients are informed about the signs of oral cancer and how to perform regular self-examinations to minimize your risks.
Signs of oral cancer:
- Red or white patches of the oral cavity
- Mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal
- Loose teeth and poor fitting dentures
- Tongue discomfort
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Recurrent sore throat
- Persistent pain or swelling of the neck or ears
- Hoarse voice
Ways to minimize your risks:
- Avoid tobacco in all forms
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Make routine visits to your dentist
- Always remove dentures at night and thoroughly clean them daily
- Limit sun exposure
- Eat a healthy diet of fruit and vegetables
Persistent self-examinations are key. Many oral cancers are not painful until too late. If you should detect something in your mouth that does not resolve within 14 days please seek advice from your dental or medical professional. Earlier discoveries make all the difference!
Give our office a call to schedule your FREE oral cancer screening and stay informed!
For more information on how to perform a self-oral examination, please refer to these websites
https://www.sixstepscreening.org
https://www.supersmile.com/blogs/learning-center/oral-cancer-self-exam
Rebecca, RDH
