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April 2014 is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
So, is there a difference between oral cancer and mouth cancer when it comes to the devastating results they produce? The answer is a swift no: oral cancer and mouth cancer are one in the same, and effects over 43,000 Americans annually. Mouth cancer incidents continue to grow at an alarming rate not only in the U.S, but around the globe itself, effecting hundreds of thousands of individuals per year.
Fortunately, this is where you can take a stand with us: April is mouth cancer awareness month. We here at Cosmetic Dentists of Houston invite you to join us in spreading the word of mouth cancer awareness throughout the month of April and how to take preventive action against this terrible disease. For your better oral health, we are offering reservations to 4 appointments per day, Monday through Friday, for mouth cancer screenings at no cost; our professional dental team wants to make sure you\’re at optimal dental health to keep you smiling bright and to take a stand against mouth cancer!
What Is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month?
Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is held annually during the month of April to promote awareness of mouth cancer and how to take preventive action. Of those newly diagnosed with mouth cancer, only a little over a half will be alive in five years due to late detection. However, if the cancer is detected in stage 1 or 2 through oral cancer screenings the five-year survival rate increases to 80 or 90%.
There are many factors that lead to the development of mouth cancer. Various sources can be identified as:
- Tobacco Usage
- The Human Papillomvirus (HPV)
- http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/hpv-and-caAlcohol
- Poor Diet
General statistics for mouth cancer goes as follows:
- There was a 50% increase in incidence between 1999 and 2007 [1]
- Worldwide, over 460,000 people are expected to die from mouth cancer each year by 2030 [2]
- While smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus. [3]
Fortunately, there are methods to prevent and treat mouth cancer in the event that it is contracted. Cosmetic Dentists of Houston has a long standing partnership with OralID, a state of the art cancer screening device that allows the clinician to utilize a specific blue light to locate possible cancer, pre-cancers and abnormalities. Oral ID is as easy as using a flashlight and is painless to the patient, making it safe and effective when screening for cancer.
How Can I Prevent Mouth Cancer?
There are many preventive actions you can take to stop the potential growth of cancerous cells in the mouth. Quitting smoking and limiting your amount of alcohol intake is a guaranteed way to taking preventive action against mouth cancer. Oral sex has the ability to contract HPV, the human papillomvirus. HPV is one of the leading causes to mouth cancer and there is no available cure for the disease; the guaranteed preventive action against HPV and mouth cancer is taking a stand of abstinence against oral sex.
Dr. Amanda Canto And Cosmetic Dentists of Houston Want Your Help!
We here at Cosmetic Dentists of Houston are here to help you take preventive action during mouth cancer awareness month and take a stand with us by spreading the word! By getting our message out there, we are able to educate individuals who may not be aware of the risks of mouth cancer and help teach them preventive techniques that will promote their dental well being. By working together, we can accomplish much more than individually and give back people one thing to really smile about: good oral health, cancer free!
Contact Us
Do you have any questions regarding mouth cancer awareness month or are you looking to book your free mouth cancer screening with us? Look no further! Contact us at 713-622-1977. Come visit our office location at 1900 West Loop South Suite 810 Houston, TX 77027.
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