{"id":383,"date":"2023-04-14T21:35:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T21:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentalgroupwest.com\/blog\/?p=383"},"modified":"2023-05-14T21:37:35","modified_gmt":"2023-05-14T21:37:35","slug":"dont-skip-regular-oral-cancer-screenings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentalgroupwest.com\/blog\/dont-skip-regular-oral-cancer-screenings\/","title":{"rendered":"April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Images<\/a>Tooth decay and gum disease aren’t the only issues that can be hiding in your mouth. Over 54,000 adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2023. April is dedicated to Oral Cancer Awareness Month to increase public education about the benefits of regular screenings. Nearly 12,000 people will die from oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. You can invest the power of early detection by maintaining your semi-annual cleaning and checkup<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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What is Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer is classified as those affecting the mouth, throat, neck, and head. Contrary to common belief, you don’t have to be a smoker to be at risk. Although tobacco increases the odds, various risk factors also include genetics, a history of HPV, or drinking a lot of alcohol. However, it can affect anyone, even those without risk factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer is easy to treat, but it’s often not found until it has spread to other areas of the body. This contributes to the high mortality rate. The 5-year survival rate is only 68.5%. It’s important to monitor your mouth and lips for any changes, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n