20 Things You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer is a very serious and deadly disease, yet it is one of the least talked about cancers. We want to provide you with information that could very well save your or your family member’s life!

1. Each year in the United States, more than 21,000 men and 9,000 women are diagnosed with oral cancer. Most are over 60 years old.
2. One person dies from oral cancer every hour.
3. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because the patient may not notice it in its early stages.
4. Oral cancer most commonly involves the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the lip and minor salivary glands.
5. Over 40% of those diagnosed with oral cancer will die within five years primarily due to late stage diagnosis.
6. The death rate in the United States is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as breast, cervical, Hodgkin’s, prostate, liver, testes, kidney, thyroid and colon.Oral Cancer is often detected late in development, when the possibility of spreading is much greater.
7. The mortality rate associated with oral cancer has not improved significantly in the last 40 years.
8. Like most cancers, cancer of the lip and oral cavity is best treated when found early. When detected early, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 percent survival rate.
9. The most recognized risk cause for oral cancer is the use of tobacco (smokeless and chew included) and alcohol.
10. Exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma virus) is the fastest growing risk factor for oral cancer.
11. 90% of oral cancer occurs in patients 45 years or older.
12. Rates of oral and oropharyngeal cancer are more than twice as high in men then women. Cancer of the oral cavity ranks as the ninth most common cancer among men.
13. Women in their 40’s now make up the fastest growing segment of the US population to be diagnosed.
14. Men of African ancestry have an especially high risk in every age group.
15. Oral cancer can frequently develop without producing pain or symptoms. As a result, it often goes undetected until it has already metastasized to another location.
16. Oral cancer screening should be a routine part of every annual dental examination. If you do not believe your dentist has given you an oral exam, simply demand one.
17. In some screenings, abnormalities such as a flat, painless, white or red spot or a small sore are detected. Most of these are harmless, however some are not. Harmful spots and sores often look identical to those that are harmless, but professional testing can tell them apart.
18. According to the Centers of Disease Control, anyone over the age of 17 should get an annual screening for oral cancer.
19. You should also be aware of your own oral health. The mouth experiences many changes, which are harmless and no cause for alarm. However, a sore that does not go away in two weeks should be brought to the attention of your dentist.
20. Early discovery is THE most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer.

Call us today if you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer. (417) 777-8654