These areas should be self-checked regularly. If you develop a bump or sore that does not go away within 2 weeks, you should visit your dentist.
Scary, but true:
- Close to 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year.
- It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day.
- Of those 43,250 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. (Approximately 57%)
- This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades.
See these along with other facts about oral cancer at https://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/
Be sure to see your dentist and hygienist every 6 months for a routine visit and cancer screening.
