World Cancer Day is February 4th- Oral Cancers
Every year on February 4, the world marks World Cancer Day, a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and care.
Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers remain a significant health concern in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society’s 2026 estimates, there will be about 60,480 new cases of oral cavity and related throat cancers and approximately 13,150 deaths in the U.S. this year. These cancers most commonly occur in the tongue, tonsils, gums, and floor of the mouth.
Oral cancers account for a meaningful portion of head and neck malignancies. In the United States alone, tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed annually, and thousands of lives are lost to these diseases, despite improvements in treatment and survival. Risk increases with age and certain behaviors, and men are affected more often than women.
The most well established risk factors for oral cancers include tobacco use in any form (smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using smokeless tobacco), heavy alcohol consumption, and infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains. Other influences include poor nutrition and excessive sun exposure (especially for lip cancers). Emerging research also suggests lifestyle factors like high consumption of sugary drinks may be linked to increased oral cancer risk, particularly in women, though more study is needed.
Oral cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms. Dentists and oral surgeons routinely screen for lesions, white or red patches, lumps, or other abnormalities in the mouth, tongue, and throat. Detecting these changes early greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Maintaining good oral health is more than just brushing and flossing, it also means seeing professionals who can detect and treat problems before they become serious. Regular check-ups with a dentist and, when needed, an oral & maxillofacial specialist provide important benefits for both your oral and overall health.