April: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Early Detection Saves Lives

Oral cancer is nothing to take lightly.  Causing one death every hour, there will be approximately 45,750 new cases diagnosed this year alone.  It also tends to strike men twice as likely as women.

Contributing factors of oral cancer include:

·         Smoking

·         Tobacco use

·         Excessive alcohol consumption (3+ drinks per day)

·         Over-exposure to UV light

·         HPV Virus (sexually transmitted)

7% of diagnosed oral cancer cases that have no identified cause

Cigarette smokers are 3 times more likely to develop oral cancer; cigar and pipe smokers pose an even higher risk. 

This is how to reduce your risk of oral cancer:

·         Brush & floss regularly

·         Do not use tobacco products

·         Drink alcohol only in moderation

·         Regular exercise

·         Nutritional supplements ( Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Zinc, Fish oil)

·         Annual oral cancer screening at your dentist.

The way you prepare your meals can play a role as well.  Rather than frying food, give steaming or baking a try.  And as an added bonus, these techniques are also more ‘figure-friendly’!

Cancer fighting foods:

·         Beans

·         Berries

·         Vegetables

·         Flaxseed

·         Garlic

·         Grapes

·         Green Teas

·         Tomatoes

·         Soy

84% of oral cancer cases can be detected early by your dentist

Dental check-ups are vital to oral cancer detection.  Our hygienists, Liz and Donna, and Dr. Hahn routinely perform oral cancer screenings, and we now have the additional benefit of the Velscope, a digital fluorescence device that detects early changes in the tissue. 

Oral Cancer Signs to Check at Home

·         Check the entirety of your mouth:

·         all the way inside of your cheeks,

·         the underside and top of your tongue,

·         the roof of your mouth, and

·         lymph nodes

You’re looking for discoloration, lumps, asymmetrical swelling or any other abnormalities that you happen to see.  Even if you aren’t too sure about it, it never hurts to give us a call, ask questions and come in to have it checked out.

Get involved.  Help raise awareness.  Spread the word.  Get tested!

Dr. Raymond Hahn

Financial District Dental
(415) 433-1970
311 California Street, Suite 450
San Francisco, CA 94104