Spring may have started in March, but April is the first full month of the new season. All around the country, the weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and people are enjoying the outdoors. But for dentists, April is notable for another reason besides just a change in the weather.
It’s also Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
That means that all during April, Dr. Michael Michel and our Topeka team will be placing a priority on oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer screenings are already a part of every regular exam we complete, but we’ll also be happy answer any questions you might have about the disease and provide extra education.
Why are oral cancer screenings so important?
Because every year, oral cancer claims the lives of more than 7,500 people. That’s more than Hodgkin’s disease, or brain, liver, kidney, ovarian, or cervical cancer. What’s more, a quarter of all cases of oral cancer involve patients with none of the common risk factors, like tobacco use or excessive drinking. In fact, a rising number of cases in both women and men have been linked to HPV. All of which means a regular visit could very well save your life.
Want to know more about oral cancer or Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Visit the Oral Cancer Foundation’s website and give Michel Dental a call to schedule your next regular visit. Dr. Michel serves patients from Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas.
