Sooner Detection Means Better Survival
The most important reason to get screening is that it could save your life.
Oral cancer is proving difficult to treat. Although many types of cancer–such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer–have seen their survival rates improve, oral cancer survival rates are lagging behind. That’s primarily because those other cancers have seen a dramatic increase in screening. The sooner cancers are detected, the easier they are to treat, often with less invasive treatments, too.
Newly Diagnosed Cancers Have Few Risk Factors
But, you might think, I’m not at risk for oral cancer. While it’s true that many risk factors for oral cancer are well known, such as smoking, heavy drinking, or advanced age, the fastest growing class of people diagnosed with oral cancer actually have none of these common risk factors. So It’s important to get screening, especially when you think you have no risk factors.
Screening Is Easy and Convenient
Besides, the thing about oral cancer screening is that it’s easy and convenient compared to screening procedures for other cancers. You don’t have to make a separate appointment. It just takes a couple minutes and you’ll hardly notice.
Give Yourself (and Others) Peace of Mind
Admit it: the thought of oral cancer puts you ill at ease. There’s a nagging doubt in your mind. If you don’t do anything about it, that doubt will continue to grow, continue to disturb you. And what about those that love and depend on you? Don’t you think they are also uneasy at the thought that you might have this cancer growing?
Put your doubts to rest and find out for sure. You’ll be happier when you do.
If You Do It, Others Will, Too
The whole point of Oral Cancer Awareness month is to spread awareness about oral cancer. Sure, you can spread awareness by sharing articles about it on social media, but if you really want to make those around you aware of the risk, you’ll get screening done, and encourage others to do it as well.
The most powerful form of leadership is leading by example. You can lead others to get oral cancer screening by taking the initiative to do it yourself.
If you are looking for a Columbus, OH dentist who can help take care of your oral and overall health, please call (614) 848-5001 for an appointment at Firouzian Dentistry.
