If you have ever had a diagnosis from a medical doctor that leaves your life temporarily hanging in the balance, you will truly appreciate the emotional impact the diagnosis of oral cancer has on an individual.

For those that unfortunately receive this type of news, death may be very prolonged and extremely painful both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, this is the second year in a row in which there has been an increase in the number of occurrences, this time of about 11% over the previous year.

Early detection is key
The overall five year survival rate for oral and oropharyngeal cancer is 52%. When oral cancer is found early though, this survival rate can be as high as 82%.2 At this time, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the high death rate.

Acknowledgements: Dental Practice Management - Summer 2008. Oral Health Group