National Oral Cancer Awareness Month
“April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and a great time to become aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer–one of the only types of cancer that is on the rise rather than the decline. This is mostly from lack of awareness. People often don’t talk about oral cancer, or get screened often enough. 30,000 Americans are diagnosed every year with oral cancer, and within the first year, the survival rate of oral cancer is 50%. It is really important to catch oral cancer early, because in the early stages it can be very treatable. Treating oral cancer in its more advanced state can cause chronic pain, and even facial disfigurement from the surgeries involved.”
Signs and Symptoms
1. Any lump, sore, or ulcer that does not heal in 2 weeks
2. A sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal in 2 weeks
3. Patches that are red or white
4. Pain in the mouth that does not heal in 2 weeks
5. Ear pain
6. Enlargement of thyroid or lymph nodes/external neck mass
7. Trouble chewing/swallowing
8. Hoarseness
9. Sore throat that does not heal in 2 weeks
10. Numbness or burning of the mouth
11. Swelling or difficulty extending the tongue
12. Skin rashes that suddenly appear
“Dentists have been proven to “play a key role in diagnosing oral cancer.”
(One of my relatives chews tobacco, so I posted this for him to read.)





