If you follow us on Instagram, you know that we recently got a head start on our spring gardening! In addition to being the start of spring, April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
Close to 50,000 people in the United States will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year, with 132 new cases coming to light every day.
While smoking and drinking are major risk factors, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a growing contributor, especially among young, otherwise healthy patients.
HPV is the same virus that causes the majority of cervical cancers. If you or your child is between the ages of 9-26, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about getting vaccinated.
While getting your vaccine and avoiding alcohol and tobacco are important, the best way to prevent oral cancer is regular screening. We remind all of our patients to get screened regularly, as early diagnoses is the best way to stop cancer in its tracks before it becomes a problem.
