Oral cancer isn’t always a headline grabber—but maybe it should be. Every year, nearly 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer. Sadly, around one person every hour dies from it.

That’s more than just a number. These are real lives—mothers, fathers, neighbors, coworkers, even celebrities—cut short by something that’s often detectable early… if you know what to look for.

And here’s the good news: we do.

Risk Factors: More Than Just Smoking

When people think of oral cancer, they often picture a heavy smoker or tobacco chewer—and yes, those habits do significantly raise your risk. But they’re far from the whole story.

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is now one of the leading causes of oral cancers, especially among younger adults. It's a common virus, and many people who have HPV don’t even know it.

• Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco, increases risk exponentially.

• Sun exposure (think lip cancer!), a weakened immune system, and even poor oral hygiene may also play a role.

Here’s the kicker: you don’t need to have any risk factors to develop oral cancer. That’s why routine screenings at your dental visits matter so much.

Famous Faces Affected by Oral and Throat Cancer

Oral cancer doesn't discriminate—it can affect anyone, regardless of fame or success.

• 🎬 Michael Douglas publicly shared his HPV-related oral cancer diagnosis in 2010, raising awareness about the virus-cancer link.

• 🎸 Eddie Van Halen battled tongue cancer and later succumbed to throat cancer in 2020. He believed factors like years of using metal picks and smoking contributed.

• 🧑‍⚖️ Jack Klugman, renowned for The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.E., lost a vocal cord to throat cancer but returned to acting with his distinctive voice.

• 🎶 George Harrison, the quiet Beatle, passed away in 2001 from throat cancer following years of smoking.

• 🎥 Roger Ebert, the iconic film critic, lost his lower jaw and ability to speak due to complications from oral cancer—but continued writing and inspiring millions.

Their experiences underscore a vital message: early detection is crucial.

Oral Cancer Screenings Are Like Mammograms for Your Mouth

Think of your oral cancer screening as a mammogram for your mouth—a non-invasive, swift, and potentially lifesaving procedure. At Cosmetic & Laser Dental Spa of Richmond, we utilize advanced screening technology to detect abnormal tissue before it's visible to the naked eye.

This cutting-edge light technology enables us to identify changes in the soft tissues of the mouth that might otherwise go unnoticed—similar to how a blacklight reveals what ordinary light misses. It's quick, comfortable, and could be life-saving.

What Happens During a Screening?

If it's been a while since your last dental visit, here's what to expect from an oral cancer screening at our office:

• A visual examination of your lips, cheeks, tongue, and the floor of your mouth

• Gentle palpation of your neck and jaw to check for any lumps or irregularities

• Use of enhanced light technology to detect subtle changes

• A brief discussion about any symptoms or risk factors you may have

It only takes a few minutes—but the peace of mind? That lasts much longer.

Why Early Detection Is Everything

When caught early, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer can be as high as 84%. But when it’s diagnosed late? That number drops dramatically.

That’s why we don’t just clean teeth—we check for life-saving signs, too. Your dental visit is about so much more than a brighter smile. It could be your first line of defense.

What You Can Do Today

• Keep your regular dental checkups—they matter more than you think.

• Ask us about your oral cancer screening during your next visit.

• Be aware of persistent symptoms: a sore that won’t heal, a lump, numbness, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.

• And if you’ve been putting off your appointment? Now’s the perfect time to call.

📍Cosmetic & Laser Dental Spa of Richmond

27 Briggs Drive, Manakin-Sabot, VA

📞 (804) 784-2386

Let’s keep you smiling—and thriving—for years to come. 💙