April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Here’s How You Can Take Action

Each April, dental professionals across the country observe Oral Cancer Awareness Month to educate patients about the risks, symptoms, and prevention of this serious disease. While oral cancer might not be as widely discussed as other types of cancer, its impact is no less significant. In fact, nearly 58,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year—and many cases are not detected until the disease is in its advanced stages.

At Dentists of Whittier, we are committed to protecting not only your smile but your overall health. One of the best ways to do that is through awareness and early detection. 

Why Oral Cancer Awareness Month Matters

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. Like many forms of cancer, early detection is crucial to successful treatment—but unfortunately, oral cancer is often diagnosed late, which can lead to more aggressive treatment and lower survival rates.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month has three main goals:

• Educate the public about risk factors and symptoms.
• Encourage people to get screened during their regular dental checkups.
• Support those affected by raising awareness and promoting early detection.

Many people think that if they don’t smoke or chew tobacco, they’re not at risk for oral cancer. But that’s a dangerous misconception. While tobacco is a major risk factor, oral cancer can affect anyone, including non-smokers. Human papillomavirus (HPV), excessive alcohol use, and prolonged sun exposure also increase your risk.

Know the Risk Factors

While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain behaviors, health conditions, and exposures may put you at higher risk. Here are the most common risk factors to be aware of:

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

• Tobacco use : Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping all increase risk.
• Heavy alcohol consumption : Especially when combined with tobacco use.
• Poor nutrition : A diet low in fruits and vegetables may impair your body’s ability to fight disease.
• Excessive sun exposure : Raises your risk for lip cancer, particularly the lower lip.

Medical Risk Factors

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) : A common sexually transmitted infection that is now a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers.
• Weakened immune system : Individuals with immune disorders or undergoing treatments that lower immunity are more susceptible.

Demographic Risk Factors

• Age : Most oral cancer cases occur in people over 40, but HPV-related cases are increasing in younger adults.
• Gender : Oral cancer is more than twice as common in men as it is in women.

Early Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

One of the biggest challenges with oral cancer is that it often begins without any noticeable symptoms. That’s why regular screenings at your dental office are so critical. However, between visits, be sure to check for the following:

• Persistent sores in the mouth that don’t heal after two weeks
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Hoarseness or a chronic sore throat
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Pain in one ear without hearing loss
• Jaw swelling or pain
• A change in how your dentures or teeth fit

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Catching oral cancer early can dramatically increase your chances of successful treatment.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

At Dentists of Whittier, we include oral cancer screenings as a routine part of your dental checkups. The process is quick, non-invasive, and could save your life.

Here’s what to expect:

• Visual examination : We’ll look for unusual spots, lesions, discolorations, or growths in your mouth and throat.
• Palpation : We’ll gently feel around your jaw, neck, and oral tissues to detect any lumps or irregularities.
• Questions : We may ask about any recent symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes.
• Follow-up : If we detect anything concerning, we may refer you to a specialist or suggest a biopsy.

Even if everything appears normal, consistent screenings build a helpful record over time, making it easier to detect subtle changes at future visits.

How You Can Take Action This April

Taking action during Oral Cancer Awareness Month can be as simple as scheduling a dental appointment or as proactive as sharing information with loved ones. Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Schedule Your Screening

If you haven’t had a dental checkup in the last six months, now is the perfect time to book an appointment. Ask your dentist if an oral cancer screening is included—at Dentists of Whittier, it always is.

2. Encourage Others to Get Checked

Talk to your friends and family about the importance of oral cancer screenings, especially those who may have higher risk factors.

3. Learn Your Risk

Use this time to assess your own habits and health history. If you smoke, chew tobacco, or drink heavily, consider making a change—your mouth and your body will thank you.

4. Adopt a Mouth-Healthy Lifestyle

Making small changes to your daily routine can lower your risk:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Limit alcohol and quit tobacco use
• Use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips

5. Share on Social Media

Raise awareness by posting facts, survivor stories, or screening reminders online. Use hashtags like #OralCancerAwareness and #ScreeningSavesLives to spread the word.

Protecting Your Health Starts with a Simple Step

Your mouth is one of the most important indicators of your overall health—and your dental team is one of your first lines of defense against oral cancer. While Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to take action, the habits you build now can protect you year-round.

Oral cancer is treatable, especially when detected early. You have the power to catch it before it progresses simply by making routine dental visits a priority. Don’t let uncertainty or a busy schedule keep you from protecting your smile—and your life.

Make This April the Month You Take Charge

There’s no better time than Oral Cancer Awareness Month to make your oral health a top priority. Whether it’s booking your next screening or encouraging someone else to get checked, your action could lead to life-saving results.

At Dentists of Whittier, we’re committed to making oral cancer screenings part of our patient-first approach. Contact us today to schedule your checkup and take a proactive step toward better health this spring. Let’s work together to keep your smile—and your future—safe and healthy.