What is Oral Cancer?
Approximately 35,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with this largely preventable type of cancer that affects the mouth and/or part of the throat. Most oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use, or both. You can help reduce your risk for oral cancer by avoiding all tobacco products and drinking alcohol only in moderation.
Early Detection
Because oral cancer can spread quickly, early detection is important. An oral cancer exam can identify early signs of this disease. The exam is quick and painless, and can be done during your regular dental check-up. Be sure to tell your dentist if you notice persistent changes in your mouth or throat, such as sores, swelling, or numbness, or if you have difficulty eating or swallowing.
To learn more about oral cancer and its warning signs and symptoms, please see:
Publications
For Health Professionals
For Patients and the Public
- Oral Cancer (also printer-friendly PDF version (85KB)
Pamphlet that describes the risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer, and the importance of detecting the disease in its early stages.
- The Oral Cancer Exam (also printer-friendly PDF version (105KB)
Card that describes the steps of an oral cancer examination so patients know what to expect.
- What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer
For people who have been diagnosed with oral cancer, this brochure includes information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer, along with definitions of selected medical terms and resource information.
- Are You At Risk for Oral Cancer? What African American Men Need to Know (Booklet) (also printer-friendly PDF version (286KB)
Part of the “Oral Cancer: What African American Men Need to Know” series, this booklet is aimed at raising awareness among African American men about their risk for oral cancer and the importance of detecting the disease early.
- The Oral Cancer Exam: What African American Men Need to Know (also printer-friendly PDF version (157KB)
A companion to “Are You At Risk for Oral Cancer? What African American Men Need to Know,” this card describes the steps of an oral cancer examination.
- Oral Cancer: What African American Men Need to Know (Poster) (also printer-friendly PDF version (434KB)
This 8.5x11 poster is designed to raise African American men’s awareness of their risk for oral cancer and the importance of early detection. Part of the “Oral Cancer: What African American Men Need to Know” series.
- Oral Cancer Statistics (also printer-friendly PDF version (162KB)
Part of the “Oral Cancer: What African American Men Need to Know” series, this fact sheet provides an overview of statistics on oral cancer in the U.S. and in African American men. Also includes a list of additional reading.
- Oral Cancer: Causes and Symptoms & The Oral Cancer Exam (also printer-friendly PDF version (129KB)
Part of the “Oral Cancer: What African American Men Need to Know” series, this fact sheet highlights oral cancer’s risk factors and signs and symptoms, and the importance of the oral cancer exam. Also includes a list of additional reading.
Clinical Trials
News Releases and Articles
Statistics
Other Government Information
Related Oral Health Topics
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