Oral cancer is a silent but deadly enemy. Screening for this disease is not a luxury. It’s a necessity, especially in general dentistry. Think about Mark Sutton DDS. Mark was a renowned dentist who believed in the power of early detection. He held oral cancer screenings as a cornerstone of his practice. This simple but critical health measure saved many lives. That’s the importance we’re talking about. That’s the focus of this blog. We’ll dive into why screening is essential and its impact on our oral health.
Oral Cancer Screening: What Is It?
It’s a simple test. It helps find cancer early. Early detection makes treatment easier. It saves lives. The process is quick. It’s painless. It’s a part of your regular dental check-up.
Why Is It Important?
Oral cancer is sneaky. It’s hard to spot. You can have it without knowing. That’s where the screening comes in. It catches the disease early. It gives you a fighting chance.
Who Needs It?
Everyone needs it. But some people need it more. People who smoke. People who drink alcohol. People with a family history of cancer. People who spend a lot of time in the sun. These people are at higher risk. They need regular screenings.
Mark Sutton DDS And His Commitment
Mark Sutton DDS knew this. He saw the risk. He saw the need for screenings. So he made it a part of his practice. He didn’t just clean his teeth. He saved lives.
Statistics
Numbers don’t lie. Let’s look at some data. According to the American Cancer Society:
- About 53,260 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2020.
- An estimated 10,750 people will die of these cancers.
- Oral cancer is more than twice as common in men as in women.
These numbers are scary. But early detection can change them. That’s the power of screening.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait. Get a screening. It’s a small step. But it can save your life. Let’s fight oral cancer together. Early detection is our best weapon.