Research from the American Cancer Society shows that over 30,000 oral cancer cases are diagnosed annually, with more than 7,000 resulting in death. The good news? Oral cancer is highly treatable when detected early through routine screenings.
Oral cancer often begins without noticeable symptoms, making regular dental exams crucial. The most common type, squamous cell carcinoma, typically affects the lips, mouth, or throat but can also develop in other areas, including: lips, mouth, tongue, salivary glands, throat (oropharyngeal region), gums, and face.
Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, so scheduling an annual screening is key.