The short answer is yes, but there’s an important reason for this that many patients don’t know about. Recent research indicates that oral cancer claims one life an hour in the US. Additionally, 50% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer do not live more than five years beyond this diagnosis. Taking these startling statistics, the Oral Cancer Foundation conducted additional research to determine the best way to decrease annual deaths related oral cancer. The results of their study indicated that early diagnosis was the most important factor in successfully treating oral cancer. That’s why most dental offices and some medical practices, will screen for oral cancer as part of regular preventive checkups.
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