When you think of cancer, oral cancer may not be the first to come to mind, but it is relatively common. Oral cancer is the 16th most commonly diagnosed worldwide, which is why your dentist in Concord may recommend you begin getting screenings for this harmful disease regularly.
But how often should you get oral cancer screenings to protect your health?
The Importance of Frequent Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and gums. It is frequently diagnosed at later stages because its symptoms develop silently. Signs are often painless, asymptomatic, and easy to overlook if you don’t have a trained eye.
For that reason, oral cancer screenings are a crucial preventive measure in dental care. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates and reduces the need for invasive treatments.
Over 85% of patients who receive an early diagnosis of oral cancer go on to survive for five years. On the other hand, survival rates for patients with advanced diagnoses can be as low as 30%. Early diagnosis frequently enables minimally invasive treatments, which lessen the psychological and physical toll on patients and their families.
Additionally, it helps patients maintain their vital oral abilities like speech and swallowing. But how often should you get an oral cancer screening?
Low-Risk Individuals
For most people, once a year during routine cancer screenings is usually sufficient.
Dentists often perform these screenings during regular exams without you needing to request them. It’s a quick, non-invasive visual and physical inspection of your mouth, tongue, throat, and neck.
High-Risk Individuals
Some groups of people tend to develop precancerous or cancerous lesions faster than the general population and may benefit from more regular screenings. Dentists often recommend people in the following groups to get an exam every 6 months or as indicated:
- Tobacco users. This includes all kinds of tobacco, from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes to smokeless tobacco.
- Heavy alcohol consumers
- People exposed to HPV (human papillomavirus)
- People over 40 years old are at a higher risk of oral cancer, as it increases with age
- People with frequent sun exposure (lip cancer can lead to oral cancer, as well)
- Personal or family history of oral or other cancers
- People with a weakened immune system
If any abnormalities are observed, dentists may refer high-risk patients for additional diagnostic tools or biopsies.
What to Watch for Between Visits:
Besides regular dental visits, you can be on the lookout for common oral cancer signs in your mouth. These include:
- Persistent mouth sores
- Red or white patches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lumps or thickening of the cheek or tongue tissue
- Numbness or a persistent sore throat
- Voice changes or hoarseness
Find a Dentist in Concord that Conducts Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is scary—and reasonably so. However, just by ignoring its existence, it won’t go away. Taking a proactive attitude and getting frequent cancer screenings can ensure a more successful treatment outcome.
If you fall into any of the risk groups we mentioned, schedule an oral cancer screening with Coliseum Dental Concord right away. Get a professional examination and gain some peace of mind!
