Signs of early oral cancer

While those at greatest risk for oral cancer are typically over 40 with a history of smoking and/or alcohol use, we are seeing reports of an increase in populations traditionally considered at lower risk. Data show that oral cancer incidence among women has increased from 15% of all patients with oral cancer to a full third of oral cancer cases over the last 45 years. The changing ratio is likely the result of the increase in smoking among women in the past three decades. Cancer also is an age-related disease, and in the United States, there are 50% more women over 64 years of age than men over 64. It also appears that tongue cancer in males under 40 years of age may be increasing. Approximately 28,000 new diagnoses of oral cancer occur each year in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer occurs almost as frequently as leukemia and claims almost as many lives as melanoma cancer. Although tobacco users and those who consume alcohol are at higher risk for developing oral cancer, more than 25 percent of oral cancer patients do not fall into these risk categories. The stage of an oral cancer diagnosis is critical. When detected at its earliest stage, oral cancer is more easily treated and cured. When detected late, its five-year survival rate is about 50 percent. Testing is painless and there is no question that early detection saves lives." --------------From Website!