What to Do for Oral Cancer Awareness Month

This April marks the 23^rd annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month. No matter the time or place, oral cancer is a significant threat that everyone should try to minimize and prevent. For example, the latest studies estimate that 54,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year alone. Of those, 43% will not survive past the five-year mark.

To better practice oral cancer awareness year-round, here’s a guide explaining its risk factors, its symptoms, and when a dentist should examine you for it.

Oral Cancer’s Risk Factors

Researchers have identified several factors that increase oral cancer risk:

• Biology: Men are twice as likely to get oral cancer as women due to contrasting genetics.
• Tobacco & Heavy Alcohol: Tobacco contains several known carcinogens that can lead to oral cancer. Similarly, one of the chemicals the body digests alcohol into is acetaldehyde, another carcinogen contributing to the disease.
• HPV: As a sexually transmitted virus, HPV triggers several oral cancers. In particular, it can cause throat cancers at the back of the mouth. Since many of the symptoms can only be detected by a trained eye, early diagnosis and intervention is crucial.

Oral Cancer’s Symptoms

This condition’s symptoms can vary between people, just like any other cancer. Symptoms of mouth cancers might include unremitting sores, red or white patches on the gums or tonsils, lumps, or growths. Throat cancer symptoms may involve a sore throat, a persistent cough, or the feeling that something’s caught in your throat.

When to See a Dentist

You should contact your dentist if any of the above-mentioned symptoms persist for over two weeks.

The dentist will first check your oral cavity before moving to the throat when examining you for oral cancer. Finally, the exam will finish once they’ve felt your jaw and neck for lumps. While your dentist won’t know right away if their observations suggest cancer, they may refer you for further testing as symptoms develop.

April may be the designated month for raising awareness, but you should always maintain awareness of oral cancer. In fact, the best way to honor Oral Cancer Awareness Month is to forever reduce the disease’s impact with the proper knowledge and practices!

About the Author

Dr. Karen Ho is an experienced dentist based in Campbell, CA, having earned her DDS from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dedicated to dental excellence, she regularly takes continuing education courses on the latest advances. Dr. Ho also maintains membership in the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. She currently practices at her self-titled clinic and is reachable at her website or by phone at (408)-558-9444.