The color pink appears to be adorning every store and banner you pass by through the month of October. This is because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This time of year is a period to reflect on the dangers of this deadly disease suffered by millions of women all over the world. It is yet another reminder of how important checkups are for everyone, including those involving your oral health.
A Disease Not to Be Underestimated
Although it is often viewed as a very treatable cancer, Breast Cancer is still a deadly disease that is estimated by The American Cancer Society to kill 40,000 women this year alone. One in eight women will develop Breast Cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that early detection can make a huge difference in saving the lives of diagnosed women. Long-term survival rate and treatment morbidity all improve when the cancer is detected in the early stages.
Do Not Neglect Your Oral Health, Either
Your periodontist in Sterling, VA, has likely stressed the importance of taking proper care of your teeth. Research has also suggested that the development of periodontitis, also known as gum disease, can put individuals at an increased risk of developing certain cancers. The good news here is similar—early detection is key to preventing more serious health issues. When you regularly see your periodontist, you are more likely to have problems diagnosed early on when treatment is easier and the outcome more positive.
October Is a Great Time for Checkups
If Breast Cancer Awareness Month has taught us anything, it is that checkups are important. This month—and really every month of the year—encourage the women in your life over the age of 40 to get a mammogram, and encourage younger women to do so if their family members have had the disease. While you are at it, schedule your own checkup with Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche to ensure your oral health is in order. Give us a call at (703) 951-6756.
