Protect Your Health with an Oral Cancer Screening at Your Dental Visit

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

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and here at My Cherry Creek Dentist in Denver, CO, we're shining a light on an often-overlooked health threat: oral cancer. More than 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year—and sadly, about one person every hour will lose their life to it.

Why? Because most cases are diagnosed too late.

But there’s good news: When caught early, the 5-year survival rate jumps from 57% to over 80%. That’s why Dr. Teresa Lowery includes a quick, painless oral cancer screening with every dental exam. It's a small step that can make a life-saving difference.

Who’s at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease anymore. In fact, the leading cause of oral and throat cancers today is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—particularly HPV-16, which is also linked to cervical cancer.

Other major risk factors include: • Heavy alcohol use (especially with smoking)
• Prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer risk)
• Weakened immune system and poor nutrition
• Age 40 and up (though HPV is affecting younger adults too)

Even if you don’t smoke or drink, you could still be at risk. That’s why regular screenings during your dental checkups are so critical.

Famous Faces Affected by Oral and Throat Cancer

Oral cancer doesn't care how famous, successful, or beloved someone is—it can affect anyone.
• 🎬 Michael Douglas went public with his HPV-related oral cancer diagnosis in 2010, helping bring attention to the virus-cancer link.
• 🎸 Eddie Van Halen battled tongue cancer and later died from throat cancer in 2020. He believed years of using metal picks and smoking contributed.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Jack Klugman, the beloved star of The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.E., lost a vocal cord to throat cancer but returned to acting with his signature gravelly voice.
• 🎶 George Harrison, the quiet Beatle, passed away in 2001 from throat cancer following years of smoking.
• 🎥 Roger Ebert, iconic film critic, lost his lower jaw and ability to speak due to complications from oral cancer—but continued writing and inspiring millions.

Their stories are a sobering reminder: early detection matters.

Oral Cancer Screenings Are Like Mammograms for Your Mouth

Think of your oral cancer screening as a mammogram for your mouth—a non-invasive, fast, and potentially lifesaving tool. At My Cherry Creek Dentist, we use adjunctive fluorescence screening technology to detect abnormal tissue before it’s visible to the naked eye.

This advanced light technology lets us catch subtle changes in the mouth’s soft tissues—kind of like how a blacklight reveals what ordinary light can’t. It’s comfortable, fast, and could save your life.

What Happens During a Screening?

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, here’s what to expect during your oral cancer screening at our Denver dental office:
• A visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, tongue, and the floor of your mouth
• Gentle palpation of your neck and jaw to check for any lumps or abnormalities
• Use of enhanced light technology to detect suspicious tissue
• A brief discussion about any symptoms or personal risk factors

It takes just a few minutes—but the peace of mind it provides? That lasts much longer.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Denver, CO

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Oral cancer is serious—but it’s also treatable when detected early.

At My Cherry Creek Dentist, we include oral cancer screenings as a standard part of your dental exam because we care about much more than just your smile—we care about your overall health.

📍 Visit us at 425 S. Cherry St, Suite #210 in Denver
📞 Call (303) 753-0922 to schedule your appointment

Let’s protect your smile—and everything around it. 💙