One American dies EVERY HOUR from oral cancer.
The American Cancer Society states approximately 38,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Of that, 8,000 to 9,000 will die – that is 1 American every hour.
Oral cancer is 3 times more common than cervical cancer and is twice as deadly. More people die every year from oral cancer than skin, cervical, and testicular cancer combined.
Oral cancer if discovered in late stages has a 5-year survival rate of 30%. If discovered early, the 5-year survival rate is 80 to 90%. The earlier the detection, the more conservative and less painful the therapy will be.
During your semi-annual dental exams, Dr. Xiao performs a visual and palpation exam for abnormalities that may be signs of oral cancer. We now offer VELscope Vx as an adjunctive aid. This is a simple, potentially life-saving annual screening exam.
The VELscope Vx is recommended by the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and the Academy of General Dentistry as the most advanced standard of care. It was also featured on “The Doctors” and “Dr. Oz” shows and was recommended as a yearly exam for all patients.
Factors that increase your risk of oral cancer include tobacco use, chronic alcohol use of 2 ounces or more three times a week, and human papilloma virus (HPV) carriers.
If you think you aren't at risk for oral cancer, think again: 25% of oral cancer patients do not smoke and have no other lifestyle risk factors, and are under 40 years old.
We are making the commitment to make this test standard as part of your annual dental exam.