Oral cancer may not get as much attention as other types of cancer, but it’s a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects thousands of people each year. The good news? When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. Raising awareness and knowing the key facts can help you protect your health and catch warning signs before they become severe.
Here are some important facts about oral cancer that everyone should know, and why preventive dentistry is important to catching it early.
Oral Cancer is More Common Than You Think
According to the American Cancer Society, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. These cancers can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, sinuses, throat, and tonsils.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Like many types of cancer, early detection greatly improves outcomes. The five-year survival rate is around 85 percent when oral cancer is caught early. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed in later stages, when treatment becomes more complicated and survival rates drop. That’s why regular dental checkups, which include oral cancer screenings, are so important.
Risk Factors Include Tobacco, Alcohol, and HPV
Tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, is one of the leading causes of oral cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption also significantly increases your risk, especially when combined with tobacco use.
Another major risk factor is the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, a sexually transmitted strain linked to cancers at the back of the throat. HPV-related oral cancers are on the rise, especially in younger adults who may not use tobacco.
It Affects More Than Just Older Adults
While oral cancer is more common in people over the age of 50, younger adults are not immune, especially those exposed to HPV. This makes awareness and screening important for people of all ages, not just older populations.
Symptoms Can Be Easy to Overlook
Early signs of oral cancer often mimic minor dental issues, which makes them easy to ignore. Watch for:
- Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal.
- Red or white patches inside the mouth.
- Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the mouth or throat.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
- Numbness in the mouth or tongue.
- A sore throat or ear pain that doesn’t go away.
If any of these symptoms last more than two weeks, schedule a visit with your dentist or doctor.
Dentists Play a Key Role in Screening
Your dentist doesn’t just look for cavities; they’re also trained to detect signs of oral cancer. Many dentists perform a basic oral cancer screening during routine checkups by examining your mouth, throat, and tongue for suspicious changes. This makes regular dental visits a vital part of early detection.
Oral cancer is a serious disease, but knowledge and awareness can make all the difference. Understanding the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and keeping up with regular dental visits can help catch the disease early and increase the chances of successful treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder has served the Moses Lake community for more than 20 years. He is a graduate of Creighton University and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education, mostly focusing on esthetics and minor orthodontics. Dr. Harder is also a contributor to Dental Economics, the world’s leading print and digital practice management journal in the dental field. If you need a checkup to evaluate your oral well-being, Dr. Harder and our team would be glad to serve you. Schedule your appointment online or call (509) 765-4351.