Raising Awareness: Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

Raising Awareness: Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. Tanya Brown & Dr. Matthew Cawley
at The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
in Chesapeake, VA

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. At The Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Tanya Brown and Dr. Matthew Cawley believe that raising awareness about these often-overlooked cancers—especially those affecting the oral cavity—can save lives.

What Is Head and Neck Cancer?

Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the mouth, throat, sinuses, and larynx. While serious, these cancers are highly treatable when detected early. Key risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV, which has been linked to throat cancers.

Many people are unaware of the early signs of oral cancer, making regular dental exams critical. Catching these cancers in their initial stages improves treatment outcomes, underscoring the importance of awareness and prevention.

The Role of Your Dentist in Early Detection

Preventive dental visits play a crucial role in early cancer detection. At The Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Tanya Brown and Dr. Matthew Cawley include oral cancer screenings in every comprehensive and preventive exam.

During your visit, Dr. Tanya Brown and Dr. Matthew Cawley will examine your mouth, neck, and throat for lumps, lesions, or other abnormalities that could indicate cancer. If anything suspicious is found, further testing may be recommended. Routine screenings could be lifesaving, detecting cancer before symptoms become severe.

Reducing Your Risk: Prevention Matters

While some risk factors, such as family history, can’t be controlled, lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of developing head and neck cancer:

  • Quit Tobacco Use – Smoking and smokeless tobacco dramatically increase the risk of cancer because they are in contact with your oral mucosa.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption – Heavy drinking, especially when combined with smoking, heightens cancer risk.
  • Get the HPV Vaccine – HPV is a leading cause of throat and tonsil cancer. Vaccination provides protection.
  • Protect Your Lips from Sun Exposure – Wear SPF lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Preventive dental visits, including oral cancer screenings, are essential for early detection. If it’s been a while since your last exam, now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment.

Why Awareness Matters

Many people are unaware of the risks and warning signs of head and neck cancers. Awareness leads to earlier diagnoses, better treatment outcomes, and ultimately, lives saved.

This Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to take charge of your health. If you notice any unusual symptoms or haven’t had a recent screening, reserve an appointment today with Dr. Tanya Brown or Dr. Matthew Cawley for a comprehensive oral exam.

Join Us in the Fight Against Head and Neck Cancer

At The Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we are dedicated to preventive care and early detection. By spreading awareness, we hope to help our patients stay informed and proactive about their health.  In fact, Dr. Tanya Brown & Dr. Matthew Cawley have supported Oral Cancer Cause non-profit organization that was created to help support those going through Oral Cancer treatment.

Don’t wait—schedule your oral cancer screening today and take a vital step toward protecting your health. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

Now that’s SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT!