Each year, approximately 40,000 people will be diagnosed with Oral Cancer in the U.S but only slightly more than half will survive longer than 5 years. More than 7,800 people, mostly older Americans, die from oral and pharyngeal (mouth and throat) cancer each year.
Why is it important to see my dentist if I’ve been diagnosed with oral cancer?
An individual with oral cancer may have up to a 40 fold increase in developing primary oral cancer. Frequent prediagnostic oral cancer screenings can lead to early oral cancer detection and improved outcomes.
Oral cancer treatments can also lead to salivary gland dysfunction. Dryness of the mouth due to reduced or absent salivary flow increases the risk of infection and compromises speaking, chewing and swallowing. More importantly, persistent dry mouth also increases the risk for dental caries.
Historically the death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in it’s development. Early detection is the key to increasing your chances. Enrolling in Enhanced Dental Benefits will allow you to get condition specific benefits in addition to the dental benefits you currently have with HMSA today. Go to the Enroll Online link to get started.
HMSA is committed to our community and the health of its members. That’s why we support a multifaceted approach to optimum oral care Called Oral Health for Total Health.
If you are not currently enrolled in the program, have a qualifying condition and you are also an HMSA dental plan member please click the Enroll Online link at the top of this page.
If you are already in the Enhanced Dental benefits program and would like to be kept up to date on your benefits and future program enhancements, please provide your information below
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