Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip and all parts of the oral cavity and oropharynx. It is one of the 10 most common cancers in the world, and in some Asian-Pacific countries, the incidence of oral cancer ranks among the top three cancers. Oral cancer is most prevalent among middle-aged men, but women and younger people are increasingly affected.
Tobacco, alcohol and areca nut (betel quid) use are among the leading causes of oral cancer.
In regions like North America and Europe, ‘high risk’ human papillomavirus infections are responsible for a growing percentage of oro-pharyngeal cancers among young people. The disease typically presents as an ulcer that does not heal; other symptoms may include pain, swelling, bleeding and difficulty in chewing and swallowing. Oral cancer mortality rates are quite high, as it is often not detected and treated early enough.
Working to improve oral cancer survival rates
The Oral Cancer Project was launched in 2017 and seeks to improve oral cancer survival rates by delivering resources that promote oral cancer prevention strategies and advocate early detection and timely treatment.
Project goals
Raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of oral cancer to improve survival rates
Provide oral healthcare professionals with practical tools to help reduce the oral cancer disease burden
Support timely referral to multi-disciplinary treatments before, during and after oral cancer treatment
The Oral Cancer project was supported by Sunstar (2018-2019).
