April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to spread awareness and knowledge about oral cancers. Oral cancer is not a rare disease: In the United States, over 50,000 people are diagnosed with some form of oral cancer each year. Reducing your risk factors and getting screened regularly can help you maintain your best health.
Who Should Get Screened?
Every adult should be screened. Oral cancer can often be found early in its development – even as a pre-cancer – through a simple, painless, and quick screening at your regular health or dental check-ups. Like other cancer screenings you may have, such as cervical, skin, prostate, colon, and breast exams, oral cancer screenings are an effective means of finding cancer at its early, highly curable stages.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Avoid human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The quickest growing segment of the oral cancer population is young, healthy, non-smokers due to the connection to this virus. The risk of getting oral cancer from HPV is increased in those who have oral sex and multiple partners.
Limit smoking and drinking. The longer you smoke, the greater the odds are for getting cancer; the more you drink, the less you will be able to defend against cancer.
Eat a healthy diet. Eating unhealthy food has been linked to oral cancer. It is best to eat plant foods, whole grains, and more fish, poultry, and beans – instead of processed food and red meats.
See a dentist and medical provider for regular checkups. This is one of the best ways to maintain good health. How long has it been since your last wellness visit? If it’s been more than a year – contact us to schedule an appointment.
Contact Konza to schedule an appointment or establish care with a dental or medical provider.
