Two Minutes at Your Dental Office Could Save Your Life

You may have heard in the news of Michael Douglas’s battle with throat cancer,
but he is not alone in this fight: over 100 new individuals will be diagnosed with oral cancer each day.
What may be even more alarming is that it kills one person every hour of every day, a trend that has
been consistent for over 40 years.

April is National Cancer Control Month, a time dedicated to creating awareness in the hopes of
preventing and creating awareness the disease. It is a chance for us to educate on
early detection and risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV).

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, “at least 25% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are non-smokers.”
Over the last ten years there has been a steady decline of tobacco use and more evidence pointing toward an
oral cancer connection to the HPV virus changing the demographic of those at risk. The quickest growing segment
of the oral cancer population is young, healthy, non-smokers due to the connection to this virus.

Technology like the VELscope, is a cancer-screening device that uses a special light to detect any suspicious
areas for early detections. Regular checkups at your dental office and self-evaluations of both your mouth and throat
are both essential. Be aware of any bumps, discoloration of tissue (such as white or red areas) or changes to the mouth,
throat, tongue and lips.

We will be providing free oral cancer screenings with every appointment through the end of May. An oral cancer screening
should be conducted every year, so take advantage of this free offer and get screened today. For more information about risk
factors and prevention of oral cancer, or to schedule your screening, please contact Shae at, 714-639-6181 .