April: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Oral Cancer accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. As with all cancers, early detection is key to increasing the survival rate and decreasing invasive treatments.

Screenings are generally done in the dental office; however, self-screenings and medical screenings can bridge the gap for those that do not receive regular dental care. Since HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is found in 2 out of 3 oropharyngeal cancers, HPV vaccination can play an important role in prevention.