April is Oral Cancer Awareness month. Did you know that a person dies of oral cancer every hour of every day here in the U.S.? According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 100 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each day. That's approximately 37,000 Americans each year.
Risk factors include the use of any tobacco products, excessive alcohol use, sun exposure and diets low in fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, all of us have control over these risks. However, new studies are showing that the fastest growing segment is the 25-50 age range due to the human papilloma virus HPV-16.
Survival rates for oral cancer vary a great degree depending on the stage that the cancer is detected. Currently, when oral cancer is found in the early stages (1 or 2), you have a 80-90% chance of survival. If cancer is found in the later stages (3 or 4), the survival rate is only 20-30%. According to the American Cancer Society's website, www.cancer.org, the 5-year survival rate for early stage cancer is about 83%.
Early detection is the key to treatment and survival of oral cancer. When you come in, we look for any changes in your mouth. These changes may include mouth sores that bleed easily and do not heal, red or white patches that persist or lumps. In between regular dental visits, you can take an active role by performing a monthly self-examination.
If it's been awhile since you've visited your dentist, make the call today to schedule an exam. It could save your life.
In the Interest of Better Dental Health,
Dr. Chuck
