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According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 30,000 Americans each year are told they have oral cancer after visiting the dentist. Of these, 25 percent do not smoke, chew or drink excessively. About 8,000 people die each year of oral cancer.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs most often in adults over the age of 40 and occurs in men twice as often as women.

Tobacco use causes the majority of oral cancers - 75% of those diagnosed use tobacco. The use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and dipping snuff are all linked to oral cancer. Not surprisingly, heavy smokers who have used tobacco over an extended period of time, or those who smoke and drink excessive amounts of alcohol, are at the highest risk.

Those with a history of head and neck cancer are at risk of developing another primary head and neck cancer. This risk is increased by smoking.

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

If you notice any of the following, contact your dental professional immediately:

• A mouth sore that bleeds easily and doesn't heal
• Patches inside the mouth or on lips that are white, red or a combination of both
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Bleeding in your mouth not related to gingivitis
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• A lump in your neck

If necessary, your dentist can perform a painless and quick "brush biopsy" screening test. After using a special brush to get tissue specimens from your mouth, computer analysis can determine the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells.

Early detection can greatly improve chances for a successful treatment. If you have any of the warning signs, visit your dental professional for a screening.

References:

Oral Cancer Foundation
Newsweek Oral Health News
National Cancer Institute