April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer is a deadly disease. In the United States Alone, there are over 40,000 cases of of mouth and throat cancer diagnosed each year. This blog post will go over the signs, the risks, and ways to lower your risk of mouth and throat cancer.

What Are The Signs Of Oral Cancer?

  • a sore or irritation that does not go away

  • a red or white patch

  • a lump, thickening, crust, or a rough spot

  • pain or numbness in the mouth

  • difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing

  • a cough or sore throat that doesn’t go away

  • changes in your voice, like a hoarseness

  • a lump or growth in the throat or neck area

What Are The Risks of Oral Cancer?

Anyone can get oral cancer, these habits can increase your risk.

  • Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes

  • heavy drinking

  • Carriers of certain types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

  • Long periods of sun exposure

  • a diet low in fruits and vegetables

Are There Any Ways I Can Lower My Risk?

  • Be aware of any changes in your mouth and throat, before brushing your teeth, look over your gums, around your tongue, and at the back of your throat for any changes.

  • Avoid Tobacco

  • Avoid heavy alcohol use

  • Visit your dentist regularly for an oral cancer screening

Your dentist can help screen for any signs of oral cancer, so it is important that you go to the dentist regularly. Earlier stages of cancer are usually easier to treat than later stages. If you notice any changes, make an appointment for your dentist to check it out, It could save your life.

Ashley Seide