Over 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed in 2020 with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer. These diseases are very deadly and are estimated to kill as many as 10,750 people this year. One of the most harrowing aspects of these figures is the amount of lives that may have been saved by regular oral cancer screenings.
Oral Cancer Screenings
If you are already visiting your dentist for regular checkups, you may already be getting regular oral cancer screenings. Many dentists include oral cancer screenings as part of regular visits (recommended every six months) byway of a visual inspection. Some dentists may use more advanced methods to screen patients, including the use of colored dyes.
However, the American Cancer Society suggests performing a self-examination every single month. This high frequency of self-examinations can help identify changes as they happen. These exams are especially important for those with greater risk factors for oral cancer. This includes individuals who drink alcohol, use or have used tobacco, or have contracted HPV (the Human Papillomavirus).
Oral Cancer is a Veterans’ Issue
It may be especially urgent for Vietnam veterans to take part in oral cancer screenings. As a known carcinogen, Agent Orange has impacted the lives of countless veterans across the nation. A 2020 study found a correlation between veterans who self-reported Agent Orange exposure and an increased risk of oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, and thyroid cancers. If you have been a victim of Agent Orange, you may want to call a veteran’s benefits attorney for help filing a claim.
Lawyers for Veterans Disability
For many, making a VA Disability claim feels far from a simple or straight-forward procedure. Our team is dedicated to making the process as easy as possible, while making sure that you have the support necessary to succeed. Reach out today to set up a free case evaluation with a lawyer for your veterans disability claim.
