April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Let’s Talk Prevention, Detection, and Empowermen
At Big Gay Smiles, we believe that oral health is a crucial part of whole-body wellness—and that includes raising awareness about important issues like oral cancer. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading information, encouraging early detection, and reminding everyone of the vital role dental professionals play in catching this disease early.
Why Oral Cancer Awareness Matters
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. While it may not be as widely discussed as other types of cancer, it’s far from rare—over 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year.
Unfortunately, oral cancer is often diagnosed at later stages, when it's more difficult to treat. That’s why awareness and early detection are absolutely essential.
Know the Signs
Here are a few things to watch for:
- Persistent sores in the mouth that don’t heal
- Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the mouth or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Numbness or unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Changes in your voice or a chronic sore throat
If you notice any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with a dental or medical professional
Risk Factors You Should Know
Certain lifestyle choices and health conditions can increase the risk of oral cancer:
- Tobacco use in any form (smoking or smokeless)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV infection, especially HPV-16, which is linked to cancers in the back of the mouth and throat
- Excessive sun exposure, which can increase the risk of lip cancer
- A weakened immune system
While these factors don’t guarantee a diagnosis, knowing them can help you make informed decisions and ask the right questions during your dental visits.
Prevention Starts at Your Dental Visit
Here’s the good news: your dental hygienist and dentist are often your first line of defense when it comes to detecting oral cancer. During regular checkups, they’re not just cleaning your teeth—they’re also looking for signs of anything unusual.
A quick, painless oral cancer screening can be performed during your routine exam. It only takes a few minutes, but it could save your life.
Our Community, Our Health
At Big Gay Smiles, we’re committed to inclusive, affirming care—and that includes making sure our community is informed and empowered. Queer individuals often face health disparities due to lack of access or fear of judgment in medical spaces. That’s why we want you to know: you’re safe here, and your health matters.
This April, let’s raise awareness, support one another, and make our health a priority.
