Despite the many advances against oral cancer in recent decades, the statistics about this disease leave many dentists, health professionals, and patients discouraged and vexed. More than 60 percent of cases are diagnosed in the latest stages, and the 5-year survival rate is a disappointing 43%. The mind-blowing part is that if you are diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate at least 83%!
So why are patients waiting so long to be diagnosed? There may be many different contributing factors, but one of the main ones is a lack of awareness. April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and your Manchester dentist wants you to know if you’re putting yourself at risk, the signs and symptoms, and that our dental office is here to complete oral cancer screenings for our patients.