Oral and pharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat) collectively kills nearly one person every hour of every day of the year. Of the people newly diagnosed with these cancers, only about 60% will live longer than 5 years. Moreover, many who do survive suffer long-term problems such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral and pharyngeal cancers remains particularly high due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development.

Because OMSs are unique within dentistry in their ability to diagnose and treat these conditions, AAOMS supports and encourages members to participate in the two oral cancer observances during April. The Oral Cancer Foundation supports Oral Cancer Awareness Month and encourages dental and medical professionals to conduct free oral cancer screenings nationwide throughout the month, and the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance has designated April 7-14 as Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW).

Help spread the word!

For more information about head, neck and oral cancer, visit MyOMS.org.

Dr. William Nelson, DDS, discusses oral cancer and the importance of patient self-exams on Dr. Kvitko's April 27, 2014 Dentally Speaking podcast.