• 11 JUN 21
    • 0
    When Was Your Last Oral Cancer Screening?

    When Was Your Last Oral Cancer Screening?

    According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year and only about half of them will be alive five years from now. Dentists improve smiles, self-esteem and your general health, but saving a life is also an important role they play. Because Dr. Angela S. Evanson is in the mouth business, she is on the front line of discovering oral cancer.

    Who Gets Oral Cancer?

    Historically, heavy smokers and heavy drinkers older than age 50 were at the highest risk of developing oral cancer. Currently, 75 percent of all oral cancers are attributed to the use of smoked and smokeless tobacco according to the CDC.  However, 40 percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer are the young, non-smokers. Oral cancer is on the rise;  therefore, the CDC recommends an annual oral cancer screening if you are 17 years of age or older.

    What Behaviors Can Cause Oral Cancer?

    This is a complex issue, but according to the Mayo Clinic, some behaviors place you at greater risk of contracting oral cancer.

    • Tobacco, whether it is smoked or smokeless, causes oral cancer.
    •  A combination of alcohol and tobacco together greatly increase your risk of contracting oral cancer.
    • A poorly balanced diet that omits fruits and vegetables can increase your risk of oral cancer.
    • Age can also be a factor. Most oral cancer patients are over 40 years old.
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV), is a virus transmitted through saliva, sexual and skin-to-skin contact. This is the fastest growing oral cancer population under the age of 45.

     

    Symptoms to Watch For

    • Numbness of the tongue or other areas of your mouth.
    • Pain in only one ear, unaccompanied by hearing loss.
    • Difficulty chewing or swallowing, or difficulty moving your jaw or tongue.
    • A lump, sore or irritation in your mouth, on your lip, or in your throat that doesn’t go away.
    • A white or red spot in your mouth, especially on the inside cheek.
    • Loose teeth or a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth.
    • Lumps, thickening tissues, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas in your mouth.

     

    Prevention

    Lower your risks of developing oral cancer in the following ways:

    • Eliminate tobacco in all forms.
    • Never combine alcohol and tobacco use at the same time.
    • Eat plenty of natural foods, including more fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy immune system.
    • Brush and floss regularly.
    • Have regular check-ups with Dr. Evanson at least twice a year.

     

    Treatment for Oral Cancer

    If found in the early stages, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. Unfortunately, 69 percent of patients are diagnosed in later stages of the disease, often after the cancer has spread.

    If detected early, oral cancer can be treated with surgery and chemo or radiation effectively. The death rate from oral cancer remains around 57 percent five years after diagnosis. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the high mortality rate is because few cases are diagnosed early enough to allow for the proper treatment.

     

    Schedule Your Cancer Screening Dental Appointment Today

    No cancer is minor and early detection is the best way to lower your risks.  As a dentist, Dr. Evanson is the first line of diagnosis and defense for oral cancer during your biannual check-ups.

    If you are concerned with symptoms that could be oral cancer, schedule an appointment with Dr. Evanson. As with any cancer, early detection gives you a better chance of survival and regular check-ups will alert her to any changes in your mouth. Detection and prevention of oral cancer should become a priority in your life.  Contact her online or call her office at (720) 409-0008.

    Leave a reply →