THIS YEAR ALONE, 400,000 people throughout the world will be diagnosed with oral cancer. 40% of those diagnosed won’t live another five years. Oral cancer has such a dismal survival rate because it’s usually not detected until very late in its progression. Because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone to get screened this year during their regularly scheduled checkups.
We Thoroughly Screen Every Patient
Dr. McCray and her team thoroughly screen every patient for oral cancer. Any suspicious areas are biopsied and evaluated. Dr. McCray works very closely with local oncologists to ensure the best outcome for you or your loved one. In addition, Dr. McCray will help with oral health maintenance and nutritional counseling as the patient undergoes surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.
Early Detection Is SO Important
Early oral cancer detection can boost survival rates to 80–90%! One of the reasons oral cancer goes undetected is because many of the symptoms are not painful. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please let us know right away:
- A lump or thickening of your cheek
- A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
- A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness inside your mouth
- Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Jaw swelling
The Best Offense Is A Good Defense
Keep regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the likelihood that any problems will be detected early. It’s worth it. Since 1987, Dr. McCray and her team have successfully treated many patients who have been diagnosed with oral cancer. As with any cancer, the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the outcome. Don’t wait a minute longer! Make an appointment with our team here at St. Mary’s Dental and get your oral cancer screening done today!
Blythe Danner on Oral Cancer:
As your trusted, lifelong oral health partner, we want to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have questions about oral cancer or any of the symptoms mentioned above. And share this information with someone you love!
