National Oral, Head And Neck Cancer Awareness Week

More than 100,000 cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, with an estimated 75% of those cases diagnosed in the mouth. Oral, head and neck cancers are most common with smokers and tobacco users, but anyone can be affected. The human papillomavirus (HPV) has also been associated with a higher risk for mouth and throat cancer. It soon may surpass tobacco and alcohol use as the leading cause of these cancers.

Know the symptoms and visit your physician regularly. Some signs and symptoms of oral, head and neck cancer include:

• A sore in your mouth that won’t heal or decrease in size
• Pain in your mouth that won’t go away
• Lumps or discolored patches inside your mouth
• Bloated cheeks
• Difficulty chewing, moving your tongue or swallowing
• Swelling or difficulty moving your jaw and jaw pain
• Soreness in your throat
• Pain around your teeth or loosening of teeth
• Numbness inside or around your mouth
• Voice changes
• A lump in your neck
• Bad breath

Talk to your dental professional today and set up an oral screening! Taking advantage of these screening opportunities is the best way to catch these cancers early and treat them successfully.

Source: http://www.wheelsforwishes.org/news/national-oral-head-and-neck-cancer-awareness-week-2014/