Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week


By Dr. Doyle Williams

Last week was Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, organized by the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance.  Though we say it over and over, it can’t hurt to remind everyone again about the importance of getting screened for oral cancer.

The signs of possible oral cancer lesions in your mouth include both “raised” and “sunken” lesions, changes in coloration, hardening lesions and lesions that bleed easily. If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, please see your dentist about them.

The survival rate for oral cancer is very good if it’s detected early, so don’t forget to ask your dentist for a screening at your next visit.