Early this year, we learned that the human papilloma virus (HPV-16), a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer in women, also contributes to the incidence of oral cancer in men. Merck & Co. offers the only HPV vaccine, but it is available for young women, not young men. New research has prompted the company to pursue government approval to extend the inoculation to males, as well.
Usually, oral cancer is thought to be a disease contracted by older people who smoke and drink – those in the high-risk group. The disease commonly affects people who are not considered high risk, though. Oral cancer screenings save lives. Here are the facts:
- In the US, oral cancer strikes about 35,000 people per year
- In the US, about 7,500 people die from oral cancer each year
- Once oral cancer takes hold, the survival rate is 52% over 5 years
- Early diagnosis increases survival chances to 80%
- Three times as many people get oral cancer as do cervical cancer
Recent promotion has increased awareness, and two early-detection systems are now in use: VELscope and ViziLite. The effectiveness of these systems has come under scrutiny by dental professionals. However, Dr. Bill Dorfman promotes VELscope and had a hand in the technology’s recent cameo on “The Doctors,” a television show on CBS.
Other publicity has come from Dr. Joe Blaes, Editor in Chief of Dental Economics. He announced in the January 2008 issue his commitment to “raising dentistry’s awareness of oral cancer.” Last month, the magazine featured an article that announced Delta Dental’s member reimbursement for VELscope screenings.
Oral cancer has not decreased in three decades. It will take awareness and action to fight the disease, and dentists play a vital role. For more information about oral cancer, visit www.OralCancerFoundation.com.
Additional Sources: MSNBC; PRWeb
Other publicity has come from Dr. Joe Blaes, Editor in Chief of Dental Economics. He announced in the January 2008 issue his commitment to “raising dentistry’s awareness of oral cancer.” Last month, the magazine featured an article that announced Delta Dental’s member reimbursement for VELscope screenings.
Oral cancer has not decreased in three decades. It will take awareness and action to fight the disease, and dentists play a vital role. For more information about oral cancer, visit www.OralCancerFoundation.com.
Additional Sources: MSNBC; PRWeb<><>< -->
