Oral Cancer Screenings Serving Anchorage, AK
Every hour of every day in America someone dies of oral cancer. Oral cancer is the sixth most common diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. However, when detected early, before the disease spreads destroying healthy tissue, the chances of survival are greatly improved. At Chinook Family Dentistry this oral cancer screening is performed at every annual exam. We'll ensure your mouth is in excellent shape and inform you if we see any problem signs. Contact us now for more information!
Tips To Prevent Oral Cancer
1. Eat Healthily
Fruits and vegetables are healthy for you in general, but they can also strengthen your immune system. All of the vitamins and antioxidants in these foods act as armor against cancer, so try to eat five servings of fruits and veggies per day.
2. Protect Your Lips
When putting on sunscreen for a hot day outside, people often forget their lips can get burned too. To prevent your lips from developing cancer, try to avoid peak sunny hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do go out in the sun, use a lip balm with SPF in it and wear a hat that shades your face.
3. Quit Tobacco
No matter what form tobacco comes in, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or even chewing tobacco can heighten your chances of developing oral cancer. In fact,
smokeless tobacco has a chemical in it that can damage a gene that protects against cancer.
4. Cut Down on Alcohol
According to the National Cancer Institute, moderate drinkers increase their chances of oral cancer by almost two-fold. In heavy drinkers, that risk is raised five-fold. Alcohol can alter your natural body chemistry, which makes it more susceptible to cancer, so it’s best to limit your alcohol intake.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Sometimes, symptoms of oral cancer aren't even noticeable. That's why it's so important to have an annual check-up at the dentist. They'll spot if there's anything unusual happing with your mouth, and they may even be able to catch oral cancer before it develops.
