And yet it’s one of the least discussed cancers.

Oral cancer is so dangerous because it’s often discovered late. In early stages it can be painless, and visible symptoms can often look like canker sores. By the time the cancer is discovered, it has often spread to other parts of the body.
 
Historically, most oral cancer sufferers are male and over the age of 40, but increasingly women and those younger than 40 are being diagnosed.
 
Tobacco use is the number one risk factor for oral cancer, but an increasing number of cases are being connected to the human papilloma virus (HPV).  HPV, a common sexually transmitted disease, has been connected to several cancers, including cervical cancer, which could account for the increase in oral cancer diagnoses among the young.
 
How can you protect yourself?
• Quit using tobacco products. The vast majority of people diagnosed with oral cancer are tobacco users. That includes smokeless tobacco!
• Make sure you receive an oral cancer exam every time you visit the dentist. During an oral cancer exam, the dentist will not only do a visual screening of the oral cavity, but also feel around your mouth and throat looking for abnormalities.
• If you have a sore that lasts longer than 2 weeks, visit your dentist! Dentists look at mouths all day and are better able to distinguish problem spots than a doctor.

For more information on oral cancer, visit The Oral Cancer Foundation.