April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time to highlight the importance of education, prevention, and early detection. Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year, yet it often goes undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. At Raymore Family Dentistry, we are committed to raising awareness because early detection can save lives.
Why Oral Cancer Awareness Matters
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 54,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and one person dies from the disease every hour. Despite its serious nature, oral cancer often receives less public attention than other types of cancer. Awareness is the first step toward prevention and timely treatment.
Oral cancer can occur in the mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, sinuses, or the floor of the mouth. When detected early, it is highly treatable. That’s why regular dental checkups and knowing the signs are so important.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can often be painless in its early stages, making it easy to overlook. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal
Red or white patches inside the mouth or on the lips
Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the mouth or neck
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
Numbness or pain in the mouth or tongue
Loose teeth without a clear dental cause
A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
If you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks, schedule a dental or medical evaluation immediately.
Who Is at Risk?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk:
Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the leading causes of oral cancer.
Excessive Alcohol Use: Frequent alcohol consumption increases risk, especially when combined with tobacco use.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): This sexually transmitted virus has been linked to a growing number of oropharyngeal cancers.
Age and Gender: Most cases occur in people over 40, and men are twice as likely to be diagnosed as women.
Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer.
The Power of Early Detection
When oral cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is around 84%. Unfortunately, many cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has progressed. That’s why routine oral cancer screenings are so vital. At Raymore Family Dentistry, we perform oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental checkups.
During a screening, we examine your entire mouth, throat, and neck for signs of abnormal tissue or changes that could indicate a problem. The exam is quick, painless, and could quite literally be life-saving.
How You Can Protect Yourself
Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco: This is the single most effective way to reduce your risk.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Moderation is key.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean and healthy reduces the risk of infection and disease.
Get Vaccinated: HPV vaccines can reduce the risk of HPV-related oral cancers.
Use Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips from sun damage, especially during outdoor activities.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Your dentist plays a key role in detecting early signs of oral cancer.
Conclusion
Oral cancer is a serious but often preventable disease. With increased awareness, routine screenings, and early detection, lives can be saved. At Raymore Family Dentistry, we are proud to play a part in this important mission by offering oral cancer screenings at every checkup.
