Why Oral Cancer Is a Silent Killer

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SaludToday Guest Blogger
Jefferson Dental Clinics

What disease kills as many people a year as handgun violence?young woman with sensitive toothache crown problem about to cry from pain

Oral cancer.

This silent killer is responsible for 10,000 deaths a year, and half of those diagnosed with oral cancer this year will be not alive in five years—and Latino men are among the most at-risk groups.

Why the grim prognosis? Oral cancer is often detected late, because many skip routine dental exams.

“The unfortunate reality of oral cancer is that the death rate is particularly high, not because it is hard to diagnose, but because often the cancer is discovered late in its development,” said Leslie Renee Townsend, DDS, regional dental director for Jefferson Dental Clinics.

“Screenings for early detection are very important,” Townsend said. “Too often patients may not be alerted to the signs of oral cancer until it is too late.”

Oral cancer symptoms can include lesions, lumps or sores in the mouth that don’t heal, unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth, pain or difficulty swallowing, persistent pain in the mouth and difficulty moving the mouth or jaw.

Factors that can strongly predicate an increased risk of developing oral cancer include tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), frequent alcohol consumption, the human papillomavirus (HPV), poor diet, genetics, age and gender.

“If you notice even a slight difference in your oral health, don’t delay on visiting your dentist for an oral screening,” Townsend said. “It could save your life.”

Go here for more dental health tips and articles.

By The Numbers By The Numbers

25.1

percent

of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage

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