Do You Know the Signs of Oral Cancer?

Michael Douglas recently battled oral cancer, but thankfully, he seems to have recovered quite well. Until hearing about his situation, many Americans hadn’t thought much about oral cancer. You might find these statistics quite startling:

• Oral cancer claims more than 8,000 Americans, that’s one person every hour of every day, each year.
• This year, approximately 37,000 Americans will receive a diagnosis of oral or pharyngeal cancer. Half will live more than 5 years.
• Risk factors include smoking and drinking alcohol, but anyone can develop the condition.
• The dentist screens for oral cancer at checkups and could be your first line of defense against oral cancer.

The best defense against oral cancer is early detection and treatment.  Drs. Wager and Evans screen for oral cancer at every dental checkup. Between visits, be aware of early symptoms: white or red patches, or sores, anywhere in the mouth, that do not heal in about two weeks. Lesions can appear on the tongue, cheeks, lips, and other soft tissues of the mouth. If you notice a suspicious lesion, schedule a checkup with Dr. Wager or Dr. Evans. Remember, early treatment can increase survival potential by 80%!

At Wager Evans Dental, we take your health seriously. Our job is to help you enjoy a long life, filled with healthy, happy smiles. If you need a family dentist in the Reno area, call Wager Evans Dental today at 775-829-7700 to schedule an appointment.