Awareness in Oral Cancer

A Guide to Understanding, Early Detection and Prevention

There’s a very important topic in April: Oral Cancer Awareness Month. This month, I’m writing all about understanding, detecting, and fighting oral cancer together.

Oral cancer refers to cancer of the mouth, throat, and surrounding areas. It’s often overshadowed by other types of cancers. With early detection and prompt treatment, the outcomes can be significantly improved. This April, let’s renew our commitment to awareness and education and how we can all help in spotting and fighting this disease.

Early detection starts with awareness. Symptoms of oral cancer can include:

• Sores or pain in the mouth that won’t heal

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• White or red patches in the mouth

• Lumps or thickening tissues in the mouth

• Sudden weight loss

If any of these symptoms persist, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.

Early in my career when I was a young technician doing model work, I noticed an odd lump in the stone model that I was working on. We reached out to our doctor to relay what we noticed to the patient. From our recommendation, fortunately, the patient had an early detection of oral cancer!

At Berkeley Dental Laboratory, our work extends beyond just working on teeth. Through our detailed work on dental restorations and from our unique vantage point, we could spot irregularities that could indicate oral cancer. We now can see the patient’s mouth in detailed color from our digital scans, allowing us to see red or white spots which can be early signs of the disease. Innovation in dental technology offers new hope in the early detection of oral cancer.

Join Us in Spreading Awareness This April. Below are some simple ways we all can work together to help:

• Learn and Share: Knowing about oral cancer and talking about it is a big step in prevention.

• Encourage Check-Ups: Regular dentist visits are key for catching things early, especially for those at higher risk.

• Use Social Media: A quick post can spread the word fast.

• Get Involved Locally: Whether it’s attending an event or hosting one, every bit helps.

As we observe Oral Cancer Awareness Month, let’s come together to make a real difference in the fight against oral cancer. We’re proud to be part of this important work, and we thank you for standing with us.

Wishing you health and awareness this month in April and everyday!