News Release
For Immediate Release: April 6, 2011
Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7730
PREVENT ORAL CANCER
Oral Cancer Awareness Week April 10-16, 2011
The good news about oral cancer is that it is highly preventable. Tobacco use, alcohol use, becoming infected with the human papillomavirus, and sun exposure are all risk factors for mouth cancer. Lifestyle changes that reduce these risk factors offer the best protection from this deadly disease.
Approximately 550 Marylanders will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. “The survival rate for oral cancer, unlike most other cancers hasn't improved much over the past 50 years,” said Dr. Harry Goodman, Director for the Office of Oral Health in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. “Unfortunately, this is because most people are diagnosed with oral cancer at a late stage.”
Your dental or medical provider should provide an exam for oral cancer on an annual basis. This painless, two minute oral exam looks for unusual red or white patches or sores inside the mouth or on the lips and swelling in the head and neck region. Oral cancer is most successfully treated when these often-unnoticed changes are found early in the course of the disease while still painless. If you are not sure if you have had an exam for oral cancer be sure to ask at your next visit. Two minutes can save your life.
If you have questions about oral cancer prevention, call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7770 or 301-895-3111.