April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Family in Kaysville Should Know
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month: What Every Family in Kaysville Should Know
A Conversation Worth Having This April
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month — and while it's not the most comfortable topic, it's one of the most important ones we can bring up as your dental care partners.
The good news: when oral cancer is caught early, survival rates are significantly higher. The not-so-good news: many people don't know the early signs, and they often don't connect their dentist to cancer detection. We're here to change that.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth — including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and throat. It's more common than most people realize, and it doesn't always announce itself with obvious pain.
Warning Signs to Watch For
If you notice any of the following lasting more than two weeks, schedule an appointment right away:
A sore, ulcer, or red/white patch in your mouth that won't heal
Unexplained numbness, pain, or tenderness in the mouth or lips
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
A lump, thickening, or rough patch in the mouth or throat
Persistent hoarseness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
Many of these symptoms are caused by much less serious conditions — but a quick check can rule out something serious.
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors increase the risk:
Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
Heavy alcohol consumption
HPV (Human Papillomavirus), particularly HPV-16
Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
Age — risk increases after 40, though younger adults are increasingly affected
A weakened immune system
It's worth noting that a growing number of oral cancer cases appear in people with no traditional risk factors at all. This is why routine screenings for everyone matter.
How We Screen at Lifetime Family Dental
During your regular dental exam, Dr. Godfrey screens for early signs of oral cancer as part of your routine care. This is a quick, painless part of your visit — but it could be one of the most important things we do for you all year.
We look at all soft tissue in and around the mouth, check your throat, and feel for any lumps or changes in the neck area. If anything looks unusual, we'll discuss it with you clearly and calmly — no alarm, just care.
Schedule Your Spring Exam This Month
Don't put off your routine cleaning and exam. April is the perfect time to come in, especially if it's been a while. Oral cancer screenings are included at no additional cost as part of your routine dental exam at Lifetime Family Dental.
We serve patients of all ages — including teens and young adults. If your family hasn't been in this year, April is the right time.
🔍 Book your oral exam + cancer screening today https://lifetimefd.com/contact
