| Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. |
| Oral cancers are part of a group of malignancies commonly referred to as head and neck cancers. About 85% of all head and neck cancers are oral cancers. |
| Oral cancer, which can affect areas ranging from tongue to tonsils, is particularly dangerous because it may go unnoticed in its early stages. It doesn't produce pain or symptoms that are readily recognized, and it has a high risk of forming second primary tumors. |
| While smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors, the fastest‑growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmokers who have the human papillomavirus (HPV). |
| Other risk factors include: |
| • | Gender: About two‑thirds of people with oral cancer are men. | | • | Race: The risk of oral cancer is higher for African Americans. | | • | Age: These cancers are found most often in people over 45. | | • | UV rays: Prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to lip cancer. |
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| Learn more about MD Anderson's Oral Cancer Prevention Clinic, which provides a specialized setting for diagnosis, monitoring, treatment of precancerous lesions of the oral cavity and prevention measures such as the HPV vaccination. |
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center needs your help spreading the word about oral cancer. |
| Please help more people understand the risk factors and signs of oral cancer and encourage people to get yearly screenings. Early detection saves lives! |
