30
May
The Importance of Getting Screened for Oral Cancer and the Risk Factors You Should Look Out For
Oral cancer is a form of head and neck cancer that can be particularly deadly if not caught in the early stages. It was found to be the 11th most common cancer worldwide by the WHO (World Health Organization), and in the United States, it represents 3 percent of new cancer cases. This percentage ranks it above both ovarian and skin cancer. The good news is that it is detectable in its early stages with regular oral cancer screenings. If you are reading this and it has been a long time since you last received an oral cancer screening in the Prescott, Wisconsin area, you can visit Drs. Jay Feuillerat and Samantha Clare and the team at Scenic Bluffs Dental. Over 51,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and while it may be scary to think you could be one of those, isn’t it worse to not even know until it is too late?
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
While there is no reason not to get an oral cancer screening, the need may be more urgent if you fall under specific risk factors. Knowing these risk factors for oral cancer is important and includes:
- Smoking and smokeless tobacco use.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol – it has been found that your risk of oral cancer increases with the more drinks you have daily. Nearly 65% of all neck and head cancers can be linked to the use of both tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Exposure to the sun – in males, on the lower lip.
- Aging increases your risk.
- Viral infections – in particular, HPV (human papillomavirus).
- Deficiencies in your nutrition – especially vitamins A, C, and E.
- Family history of cancer.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients : (715) 953-0499 | Existing Patients : (715) 997-4990 Book Appointment
How Can You Be Checked for Oral Cancer?
Seeing your dentist for a regularly scheduled oral cancer screening is your first line of defense against oral cancer. Many dentists include this as part of their twice-a-year checkup with patients. If any abnormalities or suspicious areas are found, a sample will be taken and sent into a laboratory for further analysis.
If it is time for you to undergo an oral cancer screening, please reach out to the team at Scenic Bluffs Dental. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay Feuillerat and Dr. Samantha Clare, please call (715) 953-0499 today.
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Dr. Jay and Dr. Clare
Scenic Bluffs Dental is headed by the husband and wife duo, Dr. Jay Feuillerat and Dr. Samantha Clare. Dr. Feuillerat earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where he also received special recognition for his outstanding work in both prosthodontics and endodontics. His continued education includes completion of a Postgraduate Program in Contemporary, Esthetic and Implant Dentistry offered through the University of Minnesota and advanced courses in digital dentistry and endodontic techniques.
Dr. Clare received her DDS degree from the University of Minnesota. She has completed numerous continuing education opportunities, including a Postgraduate Program in Contemporary, Esthetic and Implant Dentistry, the DOCS course in Adult Sedation Dentistry, the Wisconsin-based Restorative Driven Implants course, and many other hands-on clinical sessions with the Zimmer and Spear Institutes.
