April is observed as Oral Cancer Awareness Month in America. According to the American Cancer Foundation, approximately 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral oropharyngeal cancer this year, with one person dying from the disease every hour. By spreading knowledge about the disease and encouraging people to get screened, we can help save lives and reduce the impact of oral cancer.

This month, let's raise our voices and spread the word about Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and work together to help prevent it.

Here is how you can participate in Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer

Potential indicators of oral cancer include a persistent sore throat or hoarseness, a sore that does not heal on your lip or inside your mouth, red or white patches in and around the oral cavity, difficulty swallowing or chewing, unusual numbness in the mouth or lips, ear pain, frequent headaches, loose teeth and unexplained weight loss. While these symptoms may not always be related to oral cancer, they may indicate other health-related problems that require immediate attention.

If you experience any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with oral cancer in the past, do not hesitate to bring it up with your dentist. Early detection is essential for successful treatment, and your dentist can check for oral cancer during regularly scheduled dental checkups.

In addition to educating yourself, it is important to share information about oral cancer with your friends and family. Awareness and education are critical in preventing oral cancer as it not only helps individuals recognize its symptoms but also reduce any false assumptions and stereotypes of the disease. While it may seem daunting to start up these conversations, it is crucial to encourage those you care about to get screened regularly.

Schedule an oral cancer screening

Early detection and treatment are crucial when it comes to combating oral cancer. When detected early, patients have a better chance of treating the illness successfully without causing a severe impact on their quality of life. During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will provide a careful examination. They may also order additional diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy, to determine if any suspicious growths are cancerous or non-cancerous.

It is always a good idea to schedule an oral cancer screening if you have any signs or symptoms that indicate the possible development of oral cancer.

Consider donating to a reputable oral cancer organization

One of the most effective ways you can support oral cancer research and advocacy organizations is by donating. By contributing financially to reputable oral cancer organizations, you can have a direct impact on the fight against oral cancer. Your donation can help to fund research, education and support services that are necessary to prevent, detect, and treat oral cancer effectively.

When choosing an oral cancer organization to donate to, keep in mind that it's essential to give to a reputable one that's recognized as a non-profit organization. These organizations are usually in the best position to use your contributions wisely and direct them toward research or services that benefit those with the disease. Before donating, do research into an organization's track record, financial accountability and credibility. You might also want to consider whether they have a specific area of focus, such as awareness or research, aligned with your values or goals.

Oral cancer screening is included with dental hygiene visits at our office. If you are not current on preventive exam visits, please contact us today.