National Cancer Control Month

After heart disease, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.
Over a lifetime, about 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States will develop cancer.Cancer rates and deaths have been on the decline since the early 1990s.

Every hour 3 more people are diagnosed with oral cancer. What may be even more alarming is that today more than 16 people will die from some form of this disease, a trend which has been consistent for 40 years.

April is National Cancer Control Month, a time dedicated to creating awareness in the hopes of preventing the disease.  For Dr. Kifer, it is a chance to educate people on risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV).

This frightening connection to HPV is rarely acknowledged, but we now know that it can lead to oral cancer, bringing the disease to a younger population than ever before.  Even worse, standard sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests do not screen for HPV, and people often don’t even know they have it until something worse develops.  Your dentist may be the one who can help you with early detection of oral cancer.

Regular checkups at your dental office and self-evaluations are both essential.  Be aware of any bumps, discoloration of tissue (such as white or red areas) or changes to the mouth, throat, tongue and lips.  Using these practices we can all help lower the risks and prevent oral cancer.
For more information about National Cancer Control Month, or to book your appointment, please contact Dr. Wade Kifer.  
1845 Green Acres Rd.
Fayetteville, AR 
479-521-2002