Over 50% of Illinoisans believe they’ve never been screened for oral cancer
Posted on March 29, 2022 in General oral health
In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Delta Dental of Illinois is emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular dental visits and monthly self-exams for prevention and early detection.
New data from the Illinois Department of Public Health reported that Illinoisans don’t believe they’ve been checked for signs of oral cancer even though they may have been during their regular dental checkups. More than half (52%) said they had never gotten an exam for oral cancer. However, 68% visited their dentist within the past year.1
Recognizing the signs and symptoms
The most effective way to detect oral cancer early is through consistent self-exams and regular dental visits. Dentists can detect signs of both oral cancer and other serious health conditions that have symptoms appearing in the mouth. Warning signs of oral cancer include, but are not limited to:
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal within a couple weeks
- Pain or numbness in the mouth that doesn’t go away
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth
- A growth or lump within the mouth
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2022 an estimated 2,100 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with new cases of mouth and throat cancer.2 Individuals who are at high risk include those who:
- Have a family history of oral cancer
- Use tobacco of any kind including vaping
- Heavily consume alcohol
- Have or have had an HPV infection
- Were previously diagnosed with oral cancer
- Have a history of significant sun exposure
Men are also more at risk for oral cancer than women, and those over the age of 40 are at an increased risk.
Along with early detection, prevention is also key. Reduce your risk of oral cancer by:
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet full of fruits and veggies
- Avoiding smoking marijuana and all forms of tobacco
- Getting an HPV vaccine
- Applying lip balm with at least SPF 30+ often
- Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups
Click image to enlarge.
For additional tips on protecting your oral health, visit deltadentalil.com/oral-health.
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1 Illinois Department of Health, http://www.idph.state.il.us/brfss/statedata.asp?selTopic=ORAL&area=il&yr=2018&form=strata&show=freq
2 American Cancer Society, https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/?_ga=2.149632434.565310645.1647623577-701167350.1647443477#!/state/Illinois