🦷 Oral Cancer Awareness: What Every Patient Should Know
Did you know 769 Australians were diagnosed with mouth (oral) cancer in 2024?
And it’s not just smokers who are at risk — oral cancer can affect anyone.
At Nundah Village Dental, we screen for oral cancer at every check-up because early detection truly saves lives.
📊 Why Oral Cancer Awareness Matters
While oral cancer is less common than some other cancers, but it can be serious if not caught early:
- In Australia, over 5,500 head and neck cancers (including oral cancers) are diagnosed each year
- Around 1,300+ Australians die from these cancers annually
- The 5-year survival rate is about 72% — but this is much higher when detected early
- Most people diagnosed are over 60, but cases are increasingly being seen in younger patients too
👉 The key takeaway: early detection can dramatically improve outcomes.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
Oral cancer often starts subtly and may not be painful at first. That’s why regular dental checks are so important.
Look out for:
- A mouth ulcer or sore that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- A lump, swelling, or thickening in the cheek, tongue, or neck
- Persistent pain, numbness, or bleeding in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Loose teeth without an obvious cause
- Unexplained weight loss
🖼️ What Does Oral Cancer Look Like?
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- White patches that cannot be scraped off (leukoplakia)
- Red patches (erythroplakia)
- Non-healing ulcers
- Lumps or swelling in the mouth or neck
Example of ulcer on lip
Example of leukoplakia on inside cheek
Images are for educational purposes — if you notice anything unusual, book an appointment for a professional assessment.
🚨 Who Is at Risk?
Many people assume oral cancer only affects smokers — but that’s not true.
Risk factors include:
- Smoking or vaping
- Alcohol consumption
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
- Sun exposure (especially lips)
- Poor oral hygiene or gum disease
- Family history of cancer
👉 Even patients with no obvious risk factors can still develop oral cancer.
🦷 The Role of Your Dentist
Your dentist is often the first line of defence.
During a routine check-up, we:
- Examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat
- Check for abnormal lesions or tissue changes
- Monitor anything suspicious over time
Early-stage oral cancer can be easily missed without a professional exam — which is why regular visits are so important.
❤️ Early Detection Saves Lives
When oral cancer is found early:
- Treatment is often less invasive
- Recovery outcomes are significantly better
- Survival rates increase dramatically
📞 When to Act
Noticed something unusual in your mouth?
👉 If it hasn’t healed after 2 weeks — don’t ignore it.
At Nundah Village Dental, we’re here to help.
Call us today and we’ll prioritise getting you seen sooner.