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The Numbers 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or throat cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person every hour. Only half of these newly diagnosed individuals will be alive in 5 years. This number has not significantly improved in decades. If cancer of the larynx is included, for which the risk factors are the same, the numbers of diagnosed cases grows to approximately 50,000 individuals and 13,500 deaths per year in the US alone. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of more known cancers such as cervical or skin cancer. Worldwide the problem is much greater, with over 640,000 new cases being found each year. The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. |
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What can you do? You play a vital role in preventing oral cancer in yourself and your loved ones. You as a patient know yourself better than any health professional. A self-examination can find suspicious areas in your mouth very early on and that can make a huge difference in case there are any changes in your mouth that need attention. If you notice any changes in your mouth, cheeks, or throat, contact your dentist immediately. Regular dental checkups are essential for good oral health. See your dentist twice a year for a complete oral examination, oral cancer screening, and to have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional. Follow the steps to help you do an effective oral cancer self-examination. |
Press the sides and front of the neck and feel for lumps or tenderness
Tilt your head back and open your mouth to see if there are any lumps or color changes on your soft or hard palate
Pull your upper lip and check for sores or color changes on your lips and gums. Do the same with your lower lip
Grab your tongue with a piece or gauze and look for swelling or color changes, especially at the top back of each side of your tongue
Use your fingers and pull your cheeks to look for color changes such as red, white or dark patches. Use the index finger and thumb on the inside and outside of the cheek to feel for lumps. Do the same on the other cheek
Touch the roof of your mouth with your tongue to look under it and the floor of your mouth. Use a finger inside of the mouth and one outside to feel for bumps, swelling, or tenderness
