News Release
For Immediate Release: June 17, 2008
Contact Person: Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, 301-334-7730
HAVE YOU BEEN CHECKED
Oral Cancer Awareness
By now you know about colonoscopies, mammograms, PSA tests, and PAP tests. But do you know about perhaps the easiest exam you should have each year? It takes about two minutes and it's painless-it's an exam for mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer will kill more people this year in Maryland than melanoma or cervical cancer. Everyday two people in Maryland are diagnosed with it and only fifty percent of those diagnosed with mouth cancer will survive five years. Fortunately mouth cancer is highly preventable if the correct steps are taken. Adults over 40 years of age should get an annual oral exam from their dentist, hygienist, physician, or other health care provider. Since ninety percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer use tobacco products of some kind, quitting the use of all tobacco products significantly reduces the risk of developing oral cancer.
Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for increasing the odds of survival if diagnosed with the disease. Be sure to ask for an exam for mouth cancer at your next appointment. Even if you wear dentures you should have your mouth examined once a year to check for mouth cancer. If you are under the age of 40 but use tobacco products, you should also be sure to have a screening exam annually.
Remember, early detection can save your smile and your life-get checked today. For more information about oral cancer screening and prevention programs in your area call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7777 or visit www.maryland-oralcancer.org .