Oral Cancer Screenings

There are two different types of oral cancer. Oral cavity cancer begins in the mouth. The other type of oral cancer is called oropharyngeal cancer which develops in the throat behind the mouth. Certain behaviors such as smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol excessively and sunbathing can put you at an increased risk of developing oral cancer. In addition, men are at twice the risk of developing oral cancer, as are people older than 35. Actually, more than half of oral cancer patients are 68 and older. However, it’s important to keep in mind that more than 25 percent of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors. The good news is that the earlier you get an oral cancer exam, the easier it is to treat. In fact, when oral cancer is diagnosed and treated in its early stages, the chances of a successful recovery rises dramatically.