Shining a Light on Early Detection: April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April marks Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting ongoing efforts in cancer prevention and treatment. Each year, around 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, and approximately 12,000 will lose their lives to the disease. For dental professionals, this month serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role we play in identifying and addressing oral cancers at their earliest stages.

As clinicians who routinely examine the oral cavity, we are uniquely positioned to detect subtle changes that may indicate precancerous or malignant conditions. This awareness month is not only an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to early detection but also to educate patients, enhance screening protocols, and collaborate with medical professionals in the fight against cancer.

Early Detection

Early detection of oral cancer is critical in improving a patient’s prognosis and overall treatment outcomes. When identified at an early stage, oral cancer is far more likely to be treated successfully, often with less invasive methods and fewer long-term complications. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer patients diagnosed in its initial stages can be as high as 80–90%, compared to significantly lower rates for cases found at more advanced stages. Dental professionals play a key role in early detection through routine examinations, recognizing subtle mucosal changes, lesions, or abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Prompt identification not only saves lives but also improves quality of life by reducing the need for extensive surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Screening & Diagnosis

Screening for oral cancer should be a routine part of every comprehensive dental examination, especially for patients over 40 or those with risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, or a family history of cancer. A thorough screening involves both a visual and tactile examination of all oral tissues—including the lips, tongue (particularly the lateral borders), floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, palate, and oropharynx. Dental professionals should look for persistent ulcers, red or white patches, unusual lumps, or any tissue that appears asymmetrical or abnormal. Palpation of the lymph nodes in the head and neck is also essential to detect any swelling or induration. Documenting findings and monitoring any suspicious areas over time, or referring promptly for biopsy when necessary, is key. Patient education is equally important—raising awareness of symptoms like chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing can empower patients to seek timely evaluation.

Oral Cancer Screening Devices

In addition to visual and tactile exams, dental professionals have access to a variety of adjunctive oral cancer screening devices that can aid in the early detection of abnormal tissue changes. One common category includes tissue fluorescence devices, which use a special blue light to enhance the contrast between healthy and potentially cancerous tissues, making abnormal areas easier to spot. Chemiluminescent lights involve rinsing the mouth with a solution followed by examination under a specific light to highlight suspicious lesions. Toluidine blue staining is another tool, where a dye selectively stains areas of rapid cell turnover, potentially indicating dysplasia or carcinoma. Some offices may also use salivary diagnostic tests to detect biomarkers associated with oral cancer. While these tools are not meant to replace a thorough clinical exam, they can be valuable adjuncts for identifying areas that warrant closer evaluation or biopsy.

Common Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

• Tobacco Use
  Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless tobacco products, significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancer. 
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption:
  Heavy drinking, especially when combined with tobacco use, further elevates the risk. 
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  Certain types of HPV, particularly those associated with oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the throat), are also linked to oral cancer. 
• Other Risk Factors:
  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of developing oral cancer. 
  • Genetics: A family history of cancer, including oral cancer, can increase your risk. 
  • Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure to the lips can also increase the risk. 
  • Age and Gender: Men and individuals over 55 are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. 
  • Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables can also increase the risk. 

As frontline healthcare providers, we are often the first—and sometimes the only—line of defense in detecting early signs of oral cancer. Early identification not only significantly improves survival rates but also reduces the need for aggressive treatments and enhances patients’ quality of life. Prioritizing oral cancer screenings reinforces our commitment to comprehensive patient care and underscores the critical role dentistry plays in early cancer detection and prevention.

Work Cited

Greening, Meghan. “How Hygienists Can Be the First Line of Defense Against Oral Cancer.” Todays RDH, 16 Apr. 2024, www.todaysrdh.com/how-hygienists-can-be-the-first-line-of-defense-against-oral-cancer/. 

Rosser, Rebecca. “Why You Should Perform Oral Cancer Screenings on Every Dental Patient.” RDH Magazine, 5 May 2022, www.rdhmag.com/pathology/oral-pathology/article/14275539/why-you-should-perform-oral-cancer-screenings-on-every-dental-patient.