When you learn that cancer that affects your oral cavity and surrounding tissues is something to protect yourself against, you may feel a bit defenseless. You know that you’re brushing and flossing but is that really enough? Are you just a sitting duck to whom illness may strike without notice? Fortunately, by learning about oral cancer screenings, you’ll know just how to prevent this disease from harming you. Learn more with our Q’s and A’s.
Questions and Answers
Question: How can I do my best to act in a preventive manner when it comes to oral cancer? Should I just keep a close watch for changes in my smile?
Answer: While it’s always good to keep an eye out for abnormalities and to contact the moment you notice something, this isn’t your best approach. Instead, the most effective option is to schedule twice-annual visits, during which we provide you with an oral cancer screening.
Question: How is a screening any more beneficial than me just taking a look in my mouth every day or reporting changing sensations?
Answer: We use advanced technology for our oral cancer screenings. They do far more than show us what’s happening with the use of our eyes alone. We can detect changes that are extremely early (before the cancer actually begins to develop and advance), so we can treat the issue in its infancy.
Question: Is an oral cancer screening really necessary? I’ve never heard of anyone dealing with this type of issue.
Answer: It is very important. There are around 40 thousand new diagnoses on a yearly basis. Finding the problem very early makes for easier, more successful treatment.
