Early Detection Saves Lives – Here’s What You Need to Know

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and at Jeffrey L. Cohen, DDS in Covina, CA, we're emphasizing the importance of this often-overlooked but serious health issue. Thousands of Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year, leading to significant health challenges.​

Why is this happening? Because many oral cancers are detected at advanced stages.​

But here's the encouraging news: when identified early, the 5-year survival rate improves significantly. That's why every dental visit at Jeffrey L. Cohen, DDS includes a quick, painless oral cancer screening—your first line of defense against this silent disease.​

Who's at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer doesn't solely affect smokers. While tobacco use remains a significant risk factor, another growing cause of oral and throat cancers is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—especially HPV-16, a strain also linked to cervical cancer.​

Other risk factors include:

• Heavy alcohol use, particularly when combined with smoking.​
• Excessive sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer.​
• Poor nutrition and a weakened immune system.​
• Age 40 and above, although HPV-related cases are increasingly affecting younger adults.​

Even if you don't smoke or drink, you could still be at risk—which makes regular dental screenings even more crucial.​

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 Jeffrey L. Cohen, DDS, 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 Covina dental 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.​

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Covina, CA

Don't wait until it's too late. Oral cancer is serious, but when detected early, it's treatable. Our team at Jeffrey L. Cohen, DDS is dedicated to helping you maintain your health and well-being.​

We're proud to offer oral cancer screenings in Covina, California, as part of every routine dental visit—because your health is our top priority.​

Jeffrey L. Cohen, DDS
204 West College Street
Covina, CA 91723
(626) 967-6453

Your smile is important—but so is everything around it.​