Oral Cancer Prevention

This page has been automatically translated from English. MSDH has not reviewed this translation and is not responsible for any inaccuracies.

Oral cancer kills about half the people who are diagnosed with it. Because oral cancers are usually not detected until they are advanced, the rate of death or severe damage is high. Yet oral cancer is highly treatable and survivable when detected early with a simple exam.

Oral cancers usually involve the tongue, lip, mouth, soft palate, tonsils, salivary glands, or back of the throat. About half of those diagnosed with oral cancer will not survive more than five years; those who do survive may be permanently disfigured. Fortunately, a dentist or hygienist can see or feel the pre-cancerous tissue changes which might lead to a cancer, and an exam takes only a few minutes.

Everyone over the age of 18 should have an oral cancer screening once a year. Five minutes could save your life.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Signs of possible oral cancer include:

  • A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
  • Red or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue
  • Pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth or lips
  • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth

Self-Exam

Detecting the signs of possible oral cancer early is important. You can perform your own monthly check for oral cancer in just a few minutes at home. See your dentist or oral health professional if you notice anything unusual.

 

Risk Factors

Sun Exposure

Increasing sun exposure also increases your chance of developing lip cancer—the most common form of oral cancer.


Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use a sunscreen made for lips whenever you are in the sun for an extended period of time. Have a doctor examine any blisters that remain for more than a few days.

HPV Infection

Human Papillomavirus (HPV is the fastest growing cause of oral cancers in the U.S. It increasingly affects young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals.


Get a regular exam from your doctor or dentist that includes an oral cancer screening. Effective vaccination against HPV is also available.

More about HPV and cancer

Alcohol & Tobacco

Tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancers, but alcohol is a contributor as well, especially for heavy drinkers. Using alcohol and tobacco together increases the risk more than either one alone.


Drink moderately, and quit smoking to reduce your risk of oral cancer and other diseases. Free help is available for those who want to quit.

Quit smoking today

 

When detected early, the odds of surviving oral cancer are much better.

Early detection strongly affects your survival from oral cancer. Cancers can be detected early with a simple examination for changes in mouth tissue that your dentist can do, quickly and easily. If you are not already regularly screened for oral cancer on your dental visits, schedule a dental appointment each year for an oral cancer screening.

More Information

Last reviewed on Feb 14, 2023 request edits
Mississippi State Department of Health 570 East Woodrow Wilson Dr Jackson, MS 39216 866‑HLTHY4U Contact and information

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