Early Detection Best Way to Battle Oral Cancer

• Oral cancer kills nearly one person, every hour of every day, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.

• 25% of those diagnosed have no risk factors.

• Oral cancer kills more Americans than cervical cancer or melanoma.

Nearly 34,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. With nearly one life lost every hour of every day, oral cancer claims more lives than cervical cancer, brain cancer, skin cancer, and Hodgkin's disease.

“Many people are not aware of this deadly disease,” said Dr. Scott Navarro, Vice President, Professional Services and Dental Director, Delta Dental of New Jersey. “In fact, 25 percent of those diagnosed have no risk factors for oral cancer. It is crucial for patients to ask their dentist for an oral cancer exam during their regular checkup.”

Oral cancer exams, which take less than five minutes, are painless and involve an evaluation of the mouth, gums, throat, and tongue by a licensed dentist.

Who is at risk? 
Oral cancer is most common in men, African Americans, adults over 40, smokers, and heavy alcohol drinkers. However, one out of four cases occurs in non-smokers and people under age 30. Other causes include too much sun exposure to the lips and poor diet. Over the past several years, there has been an increase in the number of young people and women developing oral cancer who do not have traditional risk factors.

Early detection saves lives 
Like many cancers, the key to surviving oral cancer is early detection. Detecting oral cancer in its early stages is imperative and can dramatically increase the five-year survival rate.

Sidebar: Watch Our Oral Cancer PSA Online 
Delta Dental’s public service announcement, Oral Cancer Awareness, is now available online. The 60-second message is hosted by Dr. Scott Navarro, Vice President, Professional Services and Dental Director. Dr. Navarro provides oral cancer statistics, and explains risk factors and the importance of screening for oral cancer. To view the video, visit our Web site at www.deltadentalnj.com and click “Oral Cancer Awareness Video.”