NASHVILLE, TN--(Marketwired - May 8, 2013) - As a seasoned dental health professional, Warren Melamed has made great efforts to raise awareness about oral cancer risks and its prevalence in the United States. In fact, Melamed is noted to provide free oral cancer screenings to residents in the Nashville area for the Oral Cancer Foundation Walk for Awareness of Nashville. While he believes that a greater focus on dental hygiene and anti-smoking trends have allowed for a decrease in oral cancer threats, Melamed points to new article from Dentistry IQ that raises some interesting facts about the spread of this complicated disease.
In the article, Dentistry IQ reveals, "The buzz about human papillomavirus (HPV) hit the oral cancer world hard and fast: it's the fastest growing cause of oral cancer. No longer is the male over the age of 60 who uses tobacco the only patient who requires a screening for oral cancer. Now, it includes younger patients." In response, Warren Melamed comments, "When most people consider oral health or dental hygiene, they look at them as matters separate from other areas of medical well-being, when in all actuality it is a very holistic issue. The fact that HPV is causing such a great rise in oral cancer, not only reveals a disturbing trend in oral healthcare, but also in general medicine as well."
In response to these "alarming" trends, Melamed believes that all health care professionals need to not only develop a greater push for oral cancer screenings, but for HPV vaccination and education. He adds, "Attacking this issue early on is the only way to make sure that oral cancer rates do not skyrocket and future generations remain more informed about the connection."
However, according to the Dentistry IQ article, a recent Consumer Reports piece suggests that oral cancer screenings are "unnecessary." The Dentistry IQ author argues that the Consumer Reports suggestion was misdirected as oral cancer screenings are not only short and simple, but they are low-cost as well.
Taking a similar sentiment, Warren Melamed encourages members of the public -- from all ages and backgrounds -- to have oral cancer screenings when they schedule a regular visit with their dental health provider. "Oral cancer can often be a silent disease that develops a great deal before it is discovered. However, the earlier it is diagnosed, the sooner affected patients can receive treatment and have a greater chance at protecting not only their mouth, but also their life. Screening is simple and a recommended precaution -- I advise for all patients, even those who may not necessarily have a higher risk for developing oral cancer," Warren Melamed concludes.
ABOUT:
Warren Melamed is a noted dental professional who is known for his work as the CEO and President of Oral Health Management -- a Tennessee-based LLC. He is also recognized for founding Monarch Dental in Dallas, Texas -- an organization that went public in 1997 and allowed Melamed to take on several roles as Chairman, President and Chief Dental Officer. Although Warren Melamed has made considerable contributions to the health and dental care industry, he is also noted for maintaining charity as a priority and has made numerous efforts to give back to the community through various capacities.
