October is Cancer Awareness Month

Typically, October shines a light on the victories as well as the challenges women face with breast cancer. But this month also provides an opportunity to become better informed about all types of cancer, including the prevention, screening, and treatments for countless other forms of the disease.

The American Cancer Society is a great resource for learning more about the efforts you can lmake to prevent the disease, as well as support ongoing research for cures.

In dentistry, our professionals have a unique opportunity to examine and screen patients more than once a year for oral cancer. Dental professionals have more contact with patients than most physicians, which makes dentists and hygienists better suited to perform a regular oral cancer screening. But more importantly, your dentist will likely be the first to diagnose the onset of oral cancer. And that's where the best part of today's dentistry comes in.

The Identafi 3000 is a state-of-the-art screening tool that uses visible light to identify abnormal changes to skin of the mouth, tongue, and parts of the upper airway. The tool was introduced to improve early detection of oral cancers. And with early detection, treatment options are more successful, and outcomes are better for patients.

The risk of oral cancer has increased in recent years due to the prevalence of the human papilloma virus, or HPV. Both women and men are at higher risk for oral cancer due to certain strains of HPV. Along with tobacco and alcohol consumption, HPV is now an important consideration when screening patients for oral cancer. The Center for Disease Control has an information page about prevention of HPV.

For the month of October, Cascadia Dentistry will offer the Identafi 3000 oral cancer screening at no cost to patients. Call us to reserve your appointment today.