It is painless and can save your life.
by Shannon Nanne, RDH
Does your dentist or dental hygienist screen you for this disease on your six month check ups? Approximately 43,250 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. While some think this is a rare cancer, mouth cancers will be newly diagnosed in about 115 new individuals each day in the US alone, and a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. Close to 8,000 patients a year die, and many more suffer from the complications of treatment. These can include inflammation, infection, pain, bleeding, dehydration, malnutrition and dry mouth. Worldwide there are more than 400,000 patients a year diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancers and in many parts of the world the statistics are far worse than those in the US. Clinicians, scientists, epidemiologists, activists, public health experts and others are working hard to understand how to reduce the global oral cancer burden. The dental community is the first line of defense in early detection of the disease. Remember to make sure you are asking your dental professional to screen for oral cancer!
For more information, please visit these sites:
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org
http://www.globaloralcancerforum.org
Shannon Nanne, RDH
Director of Professional Relations and Education, BasicBites
Executive Director, The Global Oral Cancer Forum
