Raise Your Awareness of Oral Cancer This Month
April is a time when dental and other medical professionals focus on the dangers of oral cancer. Oral Cancer Awareness Month focuses on early detection, which is the best way to lower the risk of oral cancer. During this month make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS to have an oral cancer screening. Statistically almost 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year and it will cause over 12,250 deaths. When oral cancer is detected and treated early, survival rates may increase.
Some Oral Cancer Signs to Be Aware of:
As a dentist, Dr. Evanson is trained to detect the early signs of oral cancer during your biannual check-ups. As part of your awareness of this disease, be sure to discuss oral cancer with her at every checkup and request an oral cancer screening. Early detection gives you a better chance of survival and routine dental check-ups will alert Dr. Evanson to any changes in your mouth.
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing, or trouble moving your jaw or tongue.
- Changes in how your teeth fit together or the existence of loose teeth.
- Numbness in your mouth or tongue.
- Lumps, rough spots, thickening tissues or eroded areas in your mouth.
- A sore, lump, or irritation in your mouth or throat or on your lip that doesn’t go away.
- A red or white spot on the inside cheek of your mouth.
- Pain in one of your ears.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
According to the Mayo Clinic, some activities put you at bigger risk of contracting oral cancer:
- A poorly balanced diet can increase your risk of oral cancer. Make sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
- Tobacco of any form causes oral cancer. This includes smokeless tobacco.
- Alcohol and tobacco together increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
- Sun exposure increases your risk for lip cancer.
- Age is a factor since most oral cancer victims are 40 and over.
Can I Prevent Oral Cancer?
Although you might not be able to prevent oral cancer, you can lower your risks of developing oral cancer by following these guidelines:
- Eliminate all tobacco products and never use alcohol and tobacco at the same time.
- Eat a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to sustain a healthy immune system.
- Use a high Sun Protection Formula (SPF) sunscreen and lip balm, and limit exposure to the sun.
- Practice good oral health habits and make sure to brush and floss regularly every day.
- Have check-ups with Dr. Evanson at least twice a year, and more often if you have any signs of oral cancer.
How is Oral Cancer Treated?
With early detection, oral cancer can be treated effectively with chemotherapy or radiation and surgery, yet the death rate from oral cancer is near 58 percent five years after diagnosis. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the high mortality rate can be attributed to the fact that few cases are detected early enough to allow the proper treatment. Those who survive oral cancer suffer long-term problems, including difficulty eating and speaking and severe facial disfigurement.
Make An Appointment with Dr. Evanson
Have you had an oral cancer examination? If not, now is the time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Evanson, especially if you have any symptoms. Prevention of oral cancer should be a priority in your life.
Call Dr. Evanson at (720) 409-0008 or contact her online. Early detection is still the best way to lower the risk of oral cancer and Dr. Evanson is on the first line of defense to diagnose oral cancer.
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