Why You Should Have an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening has become part of the routine with a visit to our dentist office. With a regular oral cancer screening, there is a much higher likelihood that we will catch the early signs of cancer before it spreads. Oral cancer caught in its initial stages is typically far easier to treat. Every time you come in for a routine visit or have a serious change in your treatment, we will be looking at performing an oral screening for cancer. Oral cancer screenings typically happen at least once every year, more often if you, or we, feel like there is a risk or history of oral cancer in your family.

One thing to remember is that oral cancer screening can be, and is, completely voluntary. If you decide to opt out of screenings, you may do so. However, as a medical professional, we always recommend that you get them on a regular basis. People who are considered at high risk for oral cancer should definitely not opt out. High-risk candidates for oral cancer and people who need an oral cancer screening with regularity include:

• Patients who have a history of tobacco use of any kind, are at risk. Tobacco use can include cigars, pipes, cigarettes, chewing tobacco and snuff. If you put any kind of tobacco in your mouth, chances are that you are at risk for oral cancer and should always get an oral cancer screening.
• While it is a great idea to get plenty of vitamin D in the sun, excessive exposure to sunlight does make you potentially at risk for oral cancer. In particular, you may be at risk for lip cancer. If you are the kind of  person whose job determines that you be in the sun a great deal or if you often vacation in sunny spots, you should strongly consider getting the oral cancer screening on a regular basis. Patients often give us a quizzical look when we mention exposure to the sun in the context of oral cancer screening; however, exposure to the sun can lead to cancer.
• If you have previously been diagnosed with oral cancer, you are considered an at-risk individual. Patients with a history of cancer should always get an oral cancer screening when they come in to see the dentist. In fact, if you have had cancer before, you should make it a point to request an oral cancer screening even if it is not during the scheduled visit. As a cancer survivor, you know that the sooner we catch oral cancer, like any type of cancer, the better the chances are of recovery.
• If your family has a history of cancer, oral cancer, in particular, you should ensure that you get oral cancer screenings on a regular basis.
• Studies have shown that if you are a heavy user of alcohol, you are also considered to be at risk for oral cancer and should not turn down a screening.

To schedule your screening appointment, call our office.