Oral cancer has become one of the most common in the world there is the same number of new cases for oral cancer as there are for cervical and testicular cancer combined. This is a very worrying statistic and cases are rising by the year, which has resulted in doctors and dentists encouraging patients to not miss their routine dental checkups, because as with any other cancer, the sooner the cancer is caught, the better chances of the treatment being successful.
Dental plans across the United States have increased in demand as oral cancer cases continue to rise. This is because dental plans enable patients to pay a nominal monthly fee and get discounted prices on their dental treatment, this can save them fifty percent, sometimes more on routine dental check-ups, which is a considerable saving in the long run.
There have been almost fifty thousand new oral cancer cases throughout the United States in 2017. Oral cancer accounts for 2.9% of new cancer cases reported in the United States each year. This particular cancer is also responsible for more than nine thousand seven hundred deaths each year across the country. This is because many people had no idea that they had cancer until they got a symptom.
With routine dental check-up, a dentist may have picked up a sign that wouldn't have been picked up if the patients didn't go for the appointment. These days dentists are aware of the growing number of cancer cases and therefore they inspect the patient's mouth, tongue, and gums for any signs that could potentially be the early warning signs of this cancer.
More than sixty-four percent of oral cancer patients will survive for five years. As mentioned earlier, the sooner this cancer is caught, the more successful treatment will be. Early cancer is normally the most effective to treat, but once it gains momentum and gets into the later stages, there aren't many more dentists or doctors can do.
Those most at risk of oral cancer and should have an effective dental plan in place to ensure that they never miss a routine dental check-up is anyone over the age of forty. Men and women get this cancer. The younger generation is also at risk, but their risk isn't that high, though the HPV, human papillomavirus, is one of the causes of oral cancer.
Other triggers for this cancer have been tobacco products of any kind, whether you smoke cigarettes or you chew tobacco, now is the time to stop. Smoking is one of the leading lifestyle choices that cause oral cancer. Alcohol consumption in the next one, especially those that drink in excess regularly.
Some of the signs and symptoms you are going to watch out for when it comes to oral cancer is red or white patches in the mouth, an ulcer that doesn't heal within fourteen days and a lump in the neck or mouth or you experience pain swallowing. Bear in mind that when this cancer first starts it is completely painless, the only signs may be red and white patches in the mouth, so ensure you have your dental plan in place and attend those routine dental checks ups and let your dentist give you peace of mind that your oral health is in good condition.
The most effective treatments for oral cancer so far include radiation or chemotherapy, sometimes both are used depending on the stage of cancer.