National Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral Cancer Awareness: Prevention, Early Detection, and How StayWell Supports Your Oral Health
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Each year, tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed, and thousands of lives are lost, making awareness and education critical. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons fact sheet, oral cancer impacts men more frequently than women and often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Common warning signs may include persistent sores, lumps, or red and white patches in the mouth, highlighting the importance of paying attention to even subtle changes.
Major risk factors include:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV infection
- Prolonged sun exposure (especially for lip cancer)
Prevention and early detection play a vital role in reducing the impact of oral cancer. Early detection improves treatment success and survival rates. Here some tips to prevent oral cancer:
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake
- Practice healthy lifestyle habits
- Perform regular self-examinations of your mouth
- Schedule routine dental checkups
- Identifying abnormalities early makes treatment easier and increases the chance of a cure
For individuals covered by StayWell insurance, maintaining oral health—and supporting early detection—is more accessible. StayWell dental plans cover preventive and diagnostic services such as routine exams and cleanings at 100% when visiting participating providers, encouraging members to stay proactive with regular dental visits. With access to a wide network of providers across Guam and the CNMI, members have greater flexibility to seek care and monitor their oral health consistently. By taking advantage of these benefits, StayWell members can play an active role in preventing oral health issues and detecting potential concerns like oral cancer early—when it matters most.