Oral Cancer Facts

The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates approximately 132 patients are diagnosed with an oral cancer EVERY DAY!  That means over 51,550 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.  Early detection of neck, mouth, and throat cancers is critical to identify the appropriate treatment and reach the best outcomes.

The main causes of oral cancer are alcohol and tobacco use and human papilloma virus (HPV), specifically strain HPV16. You can reduce your risk of getting oral cancer by avoiding excessive alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, vaping, chew, snuff, pipes, dip, etc.) completely, and by reducing direct skin/mouth contact with another person with HPV.

Survival Rates

Oral cancer has lower survival rates than cervical cancer, thyroid cancer, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Survival rates have not increased in over a decade.  When detected in early stages, there is a 70-80% survival rate.  However, when detected in later stages, the survival rate is less than 50% after 5 years.  Most oral and neck cancers are not detected in the early stages, because of lack of patient awareness and the overall difficulty of detecting these types of cancers.  This is why it is critical to visit your dentist every 3-6 months for your professional exam or any time you detect something unusual.

Oral Cancer Self Exam

The Oral Cancer Foundation has put together this instructional video so you can perform your own at-home exam between dental visits or if you notice something unusual.

Schedule your free oral cancer screening with Dr. Jeremy Jorgenson today!  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions 24/7.  You can reach our Costa Mesa dental office by phone at (714) 424-9099 or book online anytime at www.mycostamesadentist.com.