04/08/2026
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one person EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY 24/7/365 will die from ORAL CANCER.
Approximately 53,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and 132 new people in the US EVERY DAY will be diagnosed with an oral cancer.
Of those individuals, 43 percent will not survive longer than 5 years, and many who do survive, suffer long-term problems, such as sever facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers remains particularly high because the cancers routinely are discovered late in their development.
While smoking and to***co use are still major risk factors, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus. We cannot stop this virus from spreading; our only hope to save lives is with professional involvement and public awareness. If you weren't vaccinated for HPV, you are at higher risk. Early detection is the key.
To help you be able to do a SELF DISCOVERY EXAM, the Oral Cancer Foundation has put together instructions and a video so of these steps will be familiar to you as those your dental hygienist does during your regular check up.
While regular visual exams are good, Dr. Breiterman is able to offer more precise exams by use of Velscope©️, a system that uses natural tissue florescence to enhance the visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities that might not be apparent or even visible to the naked eye. Ask for it at your next check up! Early detection is key to minimizing the impact of treatment. IF you do find a concern when doing a self exam, don't delay- contact us immediately!
