Prevalence
• An estimated 49,750 new cases of oral cancer
will be diagnosed each year.
• Oral cancer will claim 9,750 lives annually.
• On average, 57 percent of those with the
disease will survive more than five years.
• Oral cancer affects almost twice as many men
as women.
Risk Factors
• An estimated 25 percent of oral cancer patients
have no known risk factors.
• Alcohol and tobacco remain the greatest risk
factors (and using them in combination increases
the risk 15 times over the use of one or the
other).
• Infection with the sexually transmitted HPV16
virus has been linked to a subset of oral cancers.
• Historically, oral cancer has been a disease of
those ages 40+, but its incidence in those under
40 is climbing.
• Prolonged sun or tanning bed exposure is a risk
factor for lip cancer.
• Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative
to cigarettes – users face a 400 percent greater
chance of oral cancer than non-users.
Possible Signs and Symptoms
While you may have no symptoms at all, you should
see your oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dentist if
you experience any of the following:
• A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does
not heal.
• A lump or thickening on the lips or gums
or in the mouth.
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils
or lining of the mouth.
• Bleeding, pain or numbness in the lip or mouth.
• Change in voice.
• Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well.
• Trouble chewing or swallowing or moving the
tongue or jaw.
• Swelling of the jaw.
• Sore throat or feeling that something is caught
in the throat.
Early Detection
• Performing a self-examination regularly
increases the chance of identifying changes
or new growths early.
• If you have risk factors, also see your oral
and maxillofacial surgeon or dentist for an
oral examination at least annually.
• The earlier the cancer is detected, the easier the
treatment and the greater the chance of a cure.