April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and if it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, now is a great time to make an appointment.
Oral cancer is a severe disease that can often treat if it is detected early enough.
When you come in to see your Yuma, AZ dentist, Dr. Sam Carroll, for a routine dental examination, part of it will include an oral cancer screening.
Facts about Oral Cancer
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 50,000 people in this country will be diagnosed this year with oral cancer. The sobering statistics show that just over half of those diagnosed with the disease will be alive five years afterward. Sadly, these statistics haven’t changed much in decades.
As with many cancers, early detection is critical. Oral cancer symptoms can go unnoticed by patients because there are often no symptoms or pain associated with them.
Often oral cancer isn’t discovered until it has affected another part of the body, such as the lymph nodes. At that point, the prognosis is significantly worse for patients.
Causes of Oral Cancer
Although most patients are over the age of 40 when they diagnosed with oral cancer, the Oral Cancer Foundation reports that more people under that age are developing this type of cancer. There are some reasons for this, including the use of smokeless tobacco in young people.
Keeping Ahead of Oral Cancer
The best way to avoid becoming an oral cancer statistic is to make sure you are screened regularly for the disease. Staying up to date with your twice-yearly dental examinations is one way to do that. When you come in for a routine exam, we will conduct an oral cancer screening.
Early detection provides the best prognosis when it comes to treating oral cancer.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
If you are not current with your dental examinations and cleanings, call your Yuma, AZ dentist, Dr. Carroll. Dr. Sam Carroll and his staff are proud of and believe in continued education.
