Kingston TN
It’s lesser-known than breast cancer or lung cancer, but oral cancer can be just as deadly. In fact, someone dies from the effects of either oral or oropharyngeal (cancer of the back of the oral cavity and upper throat) once per hour. That’s a death every 60 minutes, 24 hours of the day, 365 days a year. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and, today on the blog, we want to share 10 facts about oral cancer and how your dentist in Kingston can help detect this potentially deadly disease.
Fact 1: More than 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year
That’s more than eight times the entire population of Kingston!
Fact 2: Older Americans are at a higher risk
People over the age of 40 comprise approximately 95% of the total number of oral cancer cases. That said, oral cancer is capable of affecting anyone at any age
Fact 3: Tobacco and alcohol increase your risk
If you smoke, vape, use chewing tobacco or drink alcohol regularly, your risk of oral cancer is elevated significantly. Since many people smoke while they drink, or vice versa, their risk factor increases exponentially.
Fact 4: One-fourth of oral cancer patients had no risk factors
Although lifestyle changes can lower your vulnerability to oral cancer, they’re not a flawless method of protection.
Fact 5: Ulcers and lumps in your mouth are two major warning signs
Do you have a sore that won’t go away or white patch of skin in your mouth? This could be an ulcer that is formed due to oral cancer. Watch for these ulcers or any lumps in your mouth. If you notice either of these phenomena, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Fact 6: Oral cancer is more likely to affect men than women
Specifically, oral cancer is two times more prevalent among men than women.
Fact 7: Oral cancer has a high mortality rate, compared to other cancers
Of the 50,000-plus cases of oral cancer that will be identified this year, a staggering 40% of those patients will not survive more than five years following their diagnosis. This is because, in many instances, oral cancer is not identified until it is already in its late stages, by which point it may have spread elsewhere in the body.
Fact 8: Early diagnosis is crucial
If you have oral cancer and it gets detected in its early stages, your chance of survival roughly doubles.
Fact 9: Oral cancer screenings are your best defense
A screening for oral cancer is a simple and convenient process that can be completed in 10 minutes or less.
Fact 10: Your dentist in Kingston screens for oral cancer as part of a regularly scheduled checkup
When you come to LakeView Dental Arts for a checkup, you will have your teeth and mouth examined by Dr. James Walmsley or Dr. Josh Walker. As part of this examination, one of our Kingston dentists will conduct an oral cancer screening while also scanning the soft tissues in your mouth for abnormalities. An experienced and highly-trained dentist can identify signs of oral cancer before they become evident or start causing you problems. With April being Oral Cancer Awareness Month, there’s no better time to schedule an oral cancer screening if you have not received one as of late. To make an appointment, call (865) 376-9687 today or contact us online.
