Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a public health campaign to raise awareness about oral cancer and promote screenings and prevention. Oral cancer is often highly treatable when it’s diagnosed early, but many cases go undetected until later stages because the symptoms can be subtle at first. Our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates provides comprehensive preventive dentistry including regular oral cancer screenings in Washington Heights to help protect our community from oral cancer.
This article includes the essentials about oral cancer, including the signs to look for, risk factors, and the importance of regular screenings even if you don’t think you’re at risk.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can affect the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Floor of the mouth
- Roof of the mouth
- Throat
Like many cancers, oral cancer may not cause pain in its early stages, which makes routine screenings essential.
Why Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month Important?
Oral cancer rates have been increasing since the mid-2000s, with more young people developing oral cancer than in the past. It now accounts for 3% of all cases of cancer in the US.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month matters because early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
When identified early, the survival rate for oral cancer is significantly higher. Unfortunately, many cases are discovered late because symptoms were dismissed or unnoticed.
Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to detect warning signs. A simple, painless screening during your regular dental visit could potentially identify changes before they become serious.
Our team believes great dentistry isn’t just about cavities and cleanings. It’s about protecting your overall health!
What Are the Early Signs of Oral Cancer?
Many early oral cancer symptoms are painless. If you notice any of the following lasting more than two weeks, it’s important to schedule an evaluation:
- A persistent mouth sore that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- A lump or thickened area in the cheek
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic sore throat
- Numbness in the lips, chin, or tongue
- Ear pain without infection
- A change in how your teeth fit together
- Changes to the sound of your voice
These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they’re always worth getting checked out. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.
Our oral cancer screenings in Washington Heights, NYC are a quick, simple way to get peace of mind and protect your health. We would always rather check and reassure you than wait for things to get worse.
Who Is a Risk for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain risk factors increase likelihood. Like any cancer, your overall risk typically isn’t determined by one factor on its own, but a combination of multiple factors.
HPV Infection
Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) are associated with cancers of the throat and back of the tongue. HPV-related oral cancers are increasingly common, even in younger, otherwise healthy adults, and HPV is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer, specifically for cancers of the tonsils, throat, and base of the tongue.
Because the virus frequently does not cause symptoms, many people never realize they have it. However, it’s estimated that 80% of adults will have an HPV infection by the age of 45. This is why we provide oral cancer screenings for everyone, even if you don’t think you’re at risk!
Smoking and Tobacco Use
In the past, tobacco use was the main cause of oral cancer. Although tobacco-related cancer rates have decreased in the US as fewer people are smoking, tobacco use is still a major risk factor for all types of cancer including oral cancer.
Smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco such as chew or dip significantly increase risk. It’s worth noting that smoking habits other than tobacco-use, such as smoking cannabis, can also increase your oral cancer risk, despite rumors that say it’s not a risk.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can increase your risks for all types of cancer, in large part because of how it breaks down in the body. As it gets digested, the ethanol in your drink turns into acetaldehyde, which damages DNA in your cells and prevents them from repairing themselves.
Heavy alcohol use can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. The risk is significantly greater for people who drink and smoke because alcohol may make your cells more sensitive to the cancer-causing agents in tobacco.
Sun Exposure
Just like the rest of your skin, your lips can develop cancer due to excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Lip cancer is the most common type of cancer in the mouth itself (without including the throat and tonsils).
Overall, skin cancer rates in the US have increased dramatically since the 1980s despite more awareness of the risks of sun exposure and improvements in prevention like sunscreen use. However, many people neglect to put sunscreen on their lips, which may be why the majority of lip cancers affect the lower lip, where the sun hits most directly.
Age & Family History
While oral cancer is more common in adults over 40, it can occur at any age. Genetics play a major role in how your body responds to other risk factors, and can even lead to cancer without any other risk factors involved.
Importantly, you do not need to have traditional risk factors to develop oral cancer. That’s another reason routine screenings are so important!
What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening in Washington Heights
An oral cancer screening in Washington Heights is quick, painless, and non-invasive.
During your exam, we will:
- Carefully examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums
- Check the floor and roof of your mouth
- Look for unusual patches, sores, or color changes
- Gently feel along your jaw and neck for swelling or enlarged lymph nodes
- Talk to you about your habits and lifestyle
The entire process typically takes just a few minutes and is included as part of your regular dental checkups.
If we find any areas of concern, we may recommend additional tests such as a biopsy, which allows us to look at your cells under a microscope. Our team includes a skilled periodontist who can perform most types of oral cancer biopsies in Washington Heights, and we work closely with an oral surgeon if your needs go beyond what we can provide in our office.
Your health is always our top priority, and our team is here to address any concerns you may have so you can enjoy great health and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer
Is oral cancer painful in the early stages?
Not usually. Early oral cancer often causes little to no pain, which is why routine screenings are essential for early detection.
How long should a mouth sore last before seeing a dentist?
If a sore lasts longer than two weeks without improvement, it should be evaluated.
Does HPV cause oral cancer?
Yes. Certain strains of HPV are linked to cancers in the throat and back of the tongue.
Is oral cancer screening part of a regular dental visit?
Yes. In our practice, oral cancer screenings are included as part of comprehensive dental exams.
Can oral cancer be cured?
When detected early, oral cancer has a much higher treatment success rate. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.
How often should I get an oral cancer exam?
Most patients should receive an oral cancer screening at least once per year, typically during routine dental checkups. If you have higher risk factors (tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, HPV history), more frequent screenings may be recommended.
