The next time you visit Dr. Bill Dorfman for a dental checkup, ask about an oral cancer screening. It is estimated that over 49,500 people in the United States will be diagnosed with some type of oral cancer in 2017.
Regular dental checkups that include an oral cancer screening with your Century City Dentist can help detect oral cancer early on, but according to America’s Dentist, there are some people who have a higher risk of oral cancer, and cancers of the back of the tongue, tonsils, and throat.
Gender
Men are twice as susceptible to oral cancer. The American Cancer Society has attributed this to alcohol and tobacco use, which is higher in men.
Age
According to your Century City Dentist, most people who have been diagnosed with some type of oral cancer are over 55.
Tobacco Products
Any type of tobacco use will increase your risk of oral cancer. Smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars and Hookah pipes can cause oral cancer as well as lung cancer. People who smoke pipes have a higher risk of lip cancer, while people who chew tobacco can be diagnosed with the most serious oral cancer, cancer of the cheeks.
Alcohol
The American Cancer Society explains that seven out of ten patients who have been diagnosed with oral cancer drink heavily. Men who consume two or more drinks a day and women who have just one drink a day are considered heavy drinkers. If you drink and smoke your chances of being diagnosed with oral cancer increases dramatically.
Sunlight
If you work outside in the sun, you are more prone to lip cancer. If you spend the majority of your time outdoors, be sure to use sunscreen.
Diet
If you are a poor eater, your chances of oral cancer increase. If you don’t eat your fruit and veggies, you are more susceptible to oral and mouth cancer.
If you can’t remember the last time you saw your Century City Dentist, call or click and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam and an oral cancer screening with Dr. Bill Dorfman today.