When most people think about cancer screenings, they think of mammograms, colonoscopies, or skin checks. But there is another screening that deserves your attention: oral cancer screening. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and at Advance Medical of Naples, we want to shine a light on a disease that is more common than many people realize.
Oral Cancer by the Numbers
Each year, approximately 58,500 Americans receive a new oral cancer diagnosis. That is roughly 132 people every day. Cancers of the mouth and throat claim one life every hour in the United States. Despite these numbers, public awareness of oral cancer remains low, which means many cases are not caught until later stages when treatment is more difficult.
The Changing Face of Oral Cancer
Historically, oral cancer was most associated with heavy tobacco and alcohol use. While those remain significant risk factors, the profile of the typical oral cancer patient is changing. The human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically HPV-16, is now responsible for a growing number of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers at the back of the tongue and throat). This means that younger, otherwise healthy individuals who do not smoke or drink heavily are being diagnosed at increasing rates.
This shift makes screening more important than ever, regardless of your lifestyle or age.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Oral cancer can be difficult to detect on your own because early stages are often painless. However, you should see your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
- Persistent red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness or tenderness in the mouth, face, or neck
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A persistent sore throat or the feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
How Screening Works
An oral cancer screening is a quick, noninvasive exam that can be performed during a routine office visit. Your provider will visually inspect the inside of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat, and will feel for any unusual lumps or masses in the neck and jaw area. If anything looks or feels concerning, your provider may recommend a biopsy or referral for further evaluation.
The American Dental Association recently reaffirmed that comprehensive visual and tactile exams remain the best first-line approach for detecting oral abnormalities early.
Prevention: What You Can Do Today
- Quit tobacco: All forms of tobacco significantly increase your risk. Talk to your provider about cessation resources.
- Limit alcohol: Heavy drinking, especially combined with tobacco use, dramatically raises your risk.
- Ask about HPV vaccination: The HPV vaccine is recommended for ages 11 to 26 and can help prevent HPV-related cancers of the mouth and throat.
- Protect your lips: Use a lip balm with SPF when spending time outdoors to reduce the risk of lip cancer.
- Perform monthly self-exams: Check your mouth for sores, patches, or lumps that do not go away. Use a mirror and good lighting.
- See your provider regularly: Routine checkups give your healthcare team the opportunity to catch problems early.
Take the Next Step
If you are due for a checkup or would like an oral cancer screening, contact Advance Medical of Naples at (239) 206-2525 or visit our contact page for more info. A few minutes of screening today could make all the difference tomorrow.
Your health is our priority. This April, let us help you stay ahead of oral cancer.
