November is #MouthCancerActionMonth. In support of that, we asked our friend and colleague, Jo-Anne Jones, RDH, “What is the one thing you wish dentists and RDHs knew about mouth cancer that they (typically) don't know?”
“It’s that BEING ALIVE IS A RISK FACTOR,” Jo-Anne says. “Yes, historical pathways such as smoking and alcohol are still strong risk factors. However, a very common virus, HPV, is causing an alarming increase in oral/oropharyngeal cancers today. We need to change our screening methods to meet the needs of today’s population. Knowing the subtle and often life-saving symptoms is critical information for today’s dental professionals. A life may depend upon your knowledge and screening efforts.”
Check out this oral exam video:
And, learn more about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer here.
