Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a vital time to shine a spotlight on a disease that affects thousands of Americans each year. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 59,660 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancers are expected in the U.S. in 2025, with an estimated 12,770 deaths resulting from these conditions. Despite advancements in treatment, the five-year survival rate remains around 40%, largely because many cases are detected at advanced stages. At Lyons Creek Dental Care in Shoreline, we’re committed to raising awareness about oral cancer and helping our patients take proactive steps to protect their health.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the tissues of the mouth or throat. This includes areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and oropharynx (the back of the throat). While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors significantly increase risk.
Common Risk Factors:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products is one of the leading causes of oral cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use can multiply oral cancer risk, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to oropharyngeal cancers and is increasingly common in younger individuals.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure can lead to lip cancer.
- Poor Diet: A diet lacking fruits and vegetables may increase susceptibility to oral cancer.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, being vigilant about changes in your mouth can help with early detection. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained lumps or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
- Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
- Numbness in the face, mouth, or tongue
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment success.
The Role of Regular Screenings
Routine dental checkups are one of the most effective ways to detect oral cancer early. At Lyons Creek Dental Care, we perform thorough oral cancer screenings during regular dental visits. These screenings are quick and non-invasive but can be life-saving. By examining your lips, tongue, gums, and throat for abnormalities, we aim to catch potential issues before they become serious concerns.
Why Early Detection Matters:
When oral cancer is detected early, patients have an 84% five-year survival rate. However, late-stage diagnosis significantly reduces this percentage. Regular screenings ensure that even subtle changes are identified and addressed promptly.
The standard of care for oral cancer screening is the VELscope. We’re proud to offer this service to all our patients. Using fluorescent light technology, the VELscope has helped dentists detect pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the mouth and upper throat. VELscope can highlight oral lesions before they are detected by the human eye and before they are recognized under ordinary light. Again, early detection is key: the relative survival rate for oral cancer increases dramatically when recognized as a pre-cancerous condition, or even an early stage of cancer.
Preventing Oral Cancer
While not all cases of oral cancer are preventable, adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk. Here are some tips for prevention:
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and chewing tobacco are major risk factors for oral cancer. Quitting can dramatically lower your risk over time.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it entirely to reduce your risk.
- Protect Your Lips from UV Rays: Use lip balm with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors and avoid tanning beds.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to keep your mouth healthy.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants to support overall health.
- Get Vaccinated Against HPV: The HPV vaccine can help protect against certain types of cancers linked to this virus.
Take Action This April
Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that prevention and early detection save lives. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup—or if you’ve noticed any concerning symptoms—schedule an appointment with Lyons Creek Dental Care today. Together, we can prioritize your health and ensure peace of mind through comprehensive care.
Let’s work together to spread awareness about oral cancer and encourage our community to take proactive steps toward prevention!
