Issue 17.14
Oral cancer kills one American every hour of every day—higher than many better-known cancers such as melanoma. It is a silent killer, often detected too late because it is painless and the physical signs may not be obvious in the early stages. However, if caught early, it is curable 75% of the time. Although early detection is key, only 20% of people report having an oral cancer exam in the last year.
Historically, males over 40 were at the highest risk, but now one in seven people newly diagnosed are younger than 40. Although smoking and alcohol use is still an enormous risk factor, especially when used in combination, people infected with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) are at greater risk of oral cancer, even if they do not smoke or drink. HPV is the same virus associated with cervical cancer—a sexually transmitted disease. Therefore, there is a link between oral sex and the potential for development of oral cancer.
Regular professional screenings combined with a person’s knowledge of the warning signs will allow for detection at the earliest possible stage—when a cure and survival are most likely. Here are the warning signs to look for:
Early Indicators:
Red and/or white discolorations of the soft tissues of the mouth.
Any sore which does not heal within 14 days.
Hoarseness which lasts for a prolonged period of time.
Advanced Indicators:
A sensation that something is stuck in your throat.
Numbness in the oral region.
Difficulty in moving the jaw or tongue.
Difficulty in swallowing.
Ear pain which occurs on one side only.
A sore under a denture, which even after adjustment of the denture, still does not heal.
A lump or thickening which develops in the mouth or on the neck.
Fortunately, the state of Utah, when compared to other states, ranks last in occurrence of oral cancer. Nevertheless, Dr Rodney Andrus, in addition to including this screening to his patients at their regular check ups, offers FREE Oral Cancer Screenings to the public during normal business hours at St George Center for Specialized Dentistry during the month of April– in conjunction with The Oral Cancer Foundation’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month. To take advantage of this FREE public screening and obtain FREE information on the risk factors of oral cancer call Dr Andrus’ office at 674-3100.