ROSEMONT, Ill. — The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is emphasizing the importance of early detection during Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are diagnosed in over 58,000 Americans each year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, and early-stage diagnosis can dramatically improve five-year survival rates.
The AAOMS recommends that individuals perform monthly self-examinations, looking for persistent sores, lumps, red or white patches, or changes in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks. Regular screenings by dental professionals are also critical, as they can identify suspicious lesions before symptoms appear.
Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV16. Public awareness campaigns aim to educate on these risks and the signs of the disease, encouraging people to seek professional evaluation promptly for any concerning changes.
