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

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and at Rippe Dental Associates in Centennial, CO, we’re shining a spotlight on this often-overlooked but serious health issue. Over 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year, and tragically, nearly one person every hour dies from it.

Why is this happening? Because most oral cancers are caught too late.

But here’s the good news: when detected early, the 5-year survival rate jumps from around 57% to over 80%. That’s why every dental visit at Rippe Dental includes a quick, painless oral cancer screening—your first line of defense against this silent disease.

Who’s at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer doesn’t just affect smokers anymore. While tobacco use remains a major risk factor, the fastest-growing cause of oral and throat cancers today is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—especially HPV-16, a strain also linked to cervical cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with smoking
• Excess sun exposure (lip cancer risk)
• Poor nutrition and compromised immunity
• Age 40+, although HPV-related cases are increasingly affecting younger adults

Even if you don’t smoke or drink, you could still be at risk—which makes regular dental screenings even more important.

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 Rippe Dental, we use adjunctive fluorescence screening technology that allows us to detect abnormal tissue before it’s visible to the naked eye.

This advanced light technology helps us spot changes in the soft tissues of the mouth that might otherwise go undetected—similar to how a blacklight reveals what ordinary light misses. It’s quick, easy, 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 from an oral cancer screening at our Centennial 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 irregularities
• Use of enhanced light technology to spot subtle changes
• A short conversation about any symptoms or risk factors you may have

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

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Centennial, CO

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Oral cancer is dangerous, but when found early, it's treatable. Our team at Rippe Dental Associates is here to help you stay healthy and informed.

We’re proud to provide oral cancer screenings in Centennial, Colorado as part of every routine dental visit—because your health is our priority.

📍 Visit us at 11837 E Arapahoe Rd in Centennial or call (303) 779-9876 to schedule today.
Your smile is important—but so is the tissue around it.