Oral Cancer

See your dentist if you have a growth or sore on your lips or in your mouth a sign that you may have oral cancer. Abnormal cells cause cancer to the form in the lining of our mouth, called the oral cavity, which include the lips and cheeks, our teeth and gums, a portion of our tongue, the floor and roof of our mouth and an area behind our wisdom teeth. When caught early, oral cancer is highly curable, with a 5-year survival rate up to 100%. Cancerous tumors or growths can be removed by surgery or radiation therapy. Ask your dentist for an oral exam every 3 years, starting at age 20, then annually after age 40. Dentists can look for any pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions in your mouth. Men are more likely to develop oral cancer, making it the 6th most common cancer among men. Smoking tobacco products and drinking alcohol in excess also increases your risk, although about a quarter of all oral cancers aren't linked to these risk factors.