- Did you know that 25% of people who have oral cancer are NOT smokers? Oral viruses are now being blamed for these lesions.
- Oral cancers most commonly involve the lips and tongue.
- Smoking and other tobacco use are linked to most cases of oral cancer. Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for oral cancer.
- Symptoms may include chewing problems, mouth sores, pain with swallowing, speech difficulties, swallowing difficulty, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, tongue problems.
- About 1 in 4 people with oral cancer die because of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Oral Cancer screening tests, which are available at FirstBite, are routinely taken every 3 years, can assist in detecting these lesions and preventing them spread to other tissues.