Oral Cancer Statistics and Information

Providing cancer prevention and
control information to the
dental professionals of Texas

oral cancer statistics

30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year.

9,000 Americans die each year from oral cancer.

Only 50% of persons with oral cancer will survive 5 years.

Oral cancer has the 5th lowest survival rate of 13 major cancers.

100% of persons reeiving radiation to the head and neck have permanent serious oral sequelae.

40% of persons receiving chemotherapy experience debilitating and dose limiting oral sequelae.

risk reduction

Risk factor reduction counseling by health care professionals can effect change in patient behavior.

Involvement of health care professionals in local, state and federal policy issues can reduce the impact of tobacco and alcohol.

early detection

Despite visual access to the oral cavity, the majority of oral cancers are diagnosed after they have already metastasized to the neck nodes.

Five-year survival rates could be increased to 75% through early detection and treatment.

Oral self-examiniation may increase the probability of early detection and improve prognosis.

Improved screening tools and national guidelines may increase early detection in high risk groups.

Education of medical professionals in early detection is essential as population at highest risk (>65 years) present ot physicians 5 times more frequently than to dentists.