.svg)
Get ready to raise awareness for a crucial cause during Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, which occurs from April 11-17 every year. This week is dedicated to educating the public about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of oral cancer, as well as recognizing those who have been affected by this disease. Did you know that over 53,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year? By spreading knowledge and understanding, we can work towards reducing these numbers and saving lives. So let's use this week to come together and make a positive impact in our communities.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Oral Cancer</div><div class='timeline-text'>Detection and treatment of oral cancer gained prominence in the medical community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Oral Cancer Screening</div><div class='timeline-text'>OralCDx Brush Test, the first oral cancer diagnostic test, received FDA approval to detect oral cancer.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise in Public Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>Increased campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of detection and prevention of oral cancer.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>HPV-linked Oral Cancers</div><div class='timeline-text'>HPV has been discovered as a leading cause of certain types of oral cancers. This made vaccination an important preventive measure.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First OHANCAW</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW) was launched to raise public awareness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increase in Oral Cancer Cases</div><div class='timeline-text'>Oral cancer hit a grim milestone with an alarming increase in cases, reasserting the importance of OHANCAW.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Get a free oral cancer screening</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many dentists and doctors offer free oral cancer screenings during this week. Take advantage of this opportunity to get a check-up and learn about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser for oral cancer research</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, and community members to raise money for oral cancer research. This can be through a charity walk, bake sale, or other creative event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate others about the importance of regular screenings</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness by educating others about the importance of regular oral cancer screenings. This can be through social media posts, organizing a presentation at your workplace or school, or simply having conversations with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear a red ribbon</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support and raise awareness by wearing a red ribbon during Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. You can also encourage others to do the same and explain the significance of the red ribbon.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share survivor stories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share inspiring stories of oral cancer survivors to spread hope and motivation during this week. This can be through social media, blog posts, or even organizing a survivor panel discussion.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about a serious health issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Oral head and neck cancer is a serious disease, and Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week helps bring attention to this often overlooked issue. By spreading awareness, we can educate people about risk factors, symptoms, and prevention methods.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Early detection can save lives</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Regular screenings for oral head and neck cancer can lead to early detection, which greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. By promoting awareness and encouraging people to get screened, we can potentially save lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports those affected by the disease</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week also serves as a way to support those who have been impacted by this disease - whether they are patients, survivors, or loved ones of those affected. By coming together to raise awareness and show support, we can make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by oral head and neck cancer.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Smoking and Alcohol Increases the Risk</h3><p class='facts-content'>The risk for oral cancer increases significantly for tobacco users, and the risk is even higher for those who frequently use alcohol. The harmful effects these substances have on the mouth can lead to precancerous conditions, further pushing the need for regular health checks and lifestyle changes as preventative measures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Men are More Likely to Develop Oral Cancer</h3><p class='facts-content'>While oral cancer can affect anyone, it is twice as common in men than women. This could be due to higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use among men, but the exact causes remain unclear.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Oral Cancer Rates are Rising Among Young People</h3><p class='facts-content'>Traditionally, oral cancer has been associated with older adults, but trends are showing a rise in cases among younger individuals. This growth has been linked to the spread of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Oral Cancer May Not Display Symptoms in Early Stages</h3><p class='facts-content'>Symptoms like soreness, lumps, or rough patches in the mouth might not show up until the disease has progressed, making early detection through regular healthcare check-ups essential in combating this cancer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Oral Cancer has a High Mortality Rate</h3><p class='facts-content'>Oral cancer's high mortality rate is partly due to being frequently diagnosed in later stages. This underscores the urgency of greater awareness, regular screenings, and prompt treatment for improved survival chances.</p></div></div>
Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week is celebrated on April 16 every year. In 2024, this date will fall on a Tuesday.
2023
Apr 16
Sunday
2024
Apr 16
Tuesday
2025
Apr 16
Wednesday
2026
Apr 16
Thursday
2027
Apr 16
Friday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
