Early Detection: Can Oral Cancer Screening Save Lives?

Are you aware how severe oral cancer can be? This is a serious and often life-threatening condition that affects thousands of people each year. You can develop it in various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and throat. The impact is significant, leading to severe health complications and even death if not detected early.

Early detection is key to improving survival rates. Read this blog to learn about the risk factors, the importance of screening, and how regular check-ups can save lives.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the mouth or throat. It can occur in different areas, including the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, the floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and the oropharynx.

Several factors increase the risk of developing oral cancer, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection and so on.

What Is The Importance of Early Detection?

When oral cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is more effective, less invasive, and has a higher success rate. Here are the signs you must watch out for:

• Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or neck
• Chronic hoarseness or sore throat

You might ignore early symptoms or mistake them for minor issues like canker sores or throat infections. Lack of awareness and failure to undergo regular oral cancer screening contribute to late diagnoses.

What is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a quick, painless examination performed by a dentist or healthcare provider. It includes:

• Visual inspection of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat.
• Feeling for lumps or abnormalities in the jaw and neck.
• Use of specialized tools like fluorescence lights to detect precancerous changes.

You should get it done if you use tobacco or alcohol frequently or have a family history of oral cancer. Getting it done once a year is usually more than enough. If you suffer from dental issues, you must see the dentist more frequently.

What Are The Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening?

• Increases Chances of Early Diagnosis: Detect cancer before symptoms become severe.
• Non-Invasive and Quick Process: This takes only a few minutes and is completely painless.
• Can Help Detect Precancerous Conditions: You can identify changes in cells before they turn cancerous.

How To Prevent Oral Cancer?

Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increase the risk. Apart from that, heavy drinking and poor oral hygiene might also put you at risk of experiencing this condition.

• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Get early detection through routine exams.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Follow a balanced diet and avoid harmful substances.
• HPV Vaccine: Getting vaccinated for HPV reduces the risk of virus-related oral cancer.

How to Get Screened for Oral Cancer?

Most dentists perform routine oral cancer screenings. In fact, community clinics offer screenings at low or no cost. Comprehensive exams are available at specialized centers.

Many dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings. Some nonprofit organizations provide free or low-cost screenings.

Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve your survival rates for oral cancer. By recognizing risk factors, undergoing routine check-ups, and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can reduce your chances of developing this disease.

Are you ready to take action? Contact us to book your screening session today!