April is the Time to Be Aware of Oral Cancer
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time when dental and other medical professionals focus on the dangers of oral cancer. As with any other type of cancer, early detection is still the best way to lower the risk of oral cancer. This April, make detection and prevention of oral cancer a priority in your life. Every hour, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, someone dies of oral or oropharyngeal cancer. If oral cancer is detected and treated early, survival rates may increase.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
It’s hard to pinpoint what directly causes oral cancer, but according to the Mayo Clinic, some actions place you at greater risk of contracting oral cancer:
- Tobacco causes oral cancer, whether it is smoked or smokeless.
- Tobacco and alcohol together greatly increase your risk of contracting oral cancer.
- Exposure to the sun increases your risk for lip cancer.
- A diet that excludes fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of oral cancer.
- Age plays a role as most oral cancer sufferers are aged 40 and over.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS is trained to detect early signs of oral cancer during your biannual dental examinations. As you become more aware of the dangers of oral cancer, make sure you discuss this with her at every checkup and ask for an oral cancer screening every time. Routine examinations every six months with Dr. Evanson will alert her to any changes in your mouth.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer to Be Aware of
- Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue or chewing and swallowing.
- A lump, sore or other irritation in your mouth, on your lip, or in your throat that doesn’t go away.
- A red or white spot in your mouth, especially on the inside cheek.
- Numbness inside your mouth or on your tongue.
- Thickening tissues, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas or lumps in your mouth.
- Pain without hearing loss in one ear.
- Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together when you close your mouth.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
You can lower your risks of developing oral cancer in the following ways:
- Quit using tobacco in all forms.
- Don’t combine the use of alcohol and tobacco.
- Wear a hat and limit your exposure to the sun. Use a high Sun Protection Formula (SPF) lip balm or sunscreen.
- Eat a well-balanced diet of unprocessed natural foods, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy immune system.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Have a regular examination with Dr. Evanson at least twice a year.
Treatment For Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation effectively if detected early, but the death rate from oral cancer is nearly 57 percent five years after diagnosis. The high mortality rate according to the Oral Cancer Foundation is because few cases are diagnosed early enough to allow the proper treatment. Many oral cancer survivors suffer long-term problems, including difficulties with eating and speaking and severe facial disfigurement.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have never had an oral cancer examination, schedule an appointment with Dr. Evanson now. No cancer is minor, and the five-minute cancer screening is all it takes during your routine dental examination to gain some peace of mind.
Prevention and detection of oral cancer should become a priority in your life. Contact Dr. Evanson online or call her office at (720) 409-0008. Your dentist is the first line of defense and diagnosis for oral cancer, and early detection is the very best way to lower the risk of oral cancer.
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