Oral Cancer: Symptoms and the Importance of Screening

Category : Tell us your Story | Sub Category : Tell us your Story Posted on 2025-06-30 21:10:00

Each year, nearly 5,000 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer—and tragically, around 1,500 of them lose their lives to it.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, men between the ages of 40 and 80 are most at risk. However, the number of cases in women is steadily rising.

Despite more than three decades of advancements in cancer treatment and technology, the survival rate for oral cancer remains low. Why? Because it often develops quietly. In its early stages, oral cancer can be painless and easy to dismiss—often mistaken for harmless mouth sores or ulcers. By the time the symptoms become clear, the cancer may have already spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Where Oral Cancer Commonly Appears

Oral cancer can affect different parts of the mouth, including:

• The tongue

• The floor of the mouth

• The lips

• The salivary glands

• The hard and soft palates

• The pharynx (throat)

No matter where it appears, oral cancer can cause serious pain and—when left untreated—can severely impact a person’s ability to eat, speak, or even swallow.

What Increases the Risk?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, such as:

• Tobacco use

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Poor oral hygiene

• Infections, including HPV and certain types of streptococcus bacteria

These conditions can create the perfect environment for cancerous lesions to form over time.

Your Dentist: The First Line of Defense

When it comes to oral cancer, early detection is critical—and your dentist may be the first to spot the warning signs.

Even during routine dental visits, your dentist examines more than just your teeth. They carefully check your entire mouth, including your lips, gums, tongue, jaw, and throat. Subtle abnormalities may be early signs of something more serious, and dentists are trained to recognize them.

Watch for These Warning Signs

Here are key symptoms of oral cancer to look out for—and mention to your dentist if you notice them:

• Red or white patches on the tongue, lips, gums, or inner cheeks

• Unusual lumps, bumps, or growths

• Sores or ulcers that don’t heal after a few weeks

• Numbness or tingling in the lips or tongue

• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

• Loose teeth or dentures that suddenly stop fitting

• Persistent dry mouth, or difficulty swallowing or speaking

• Chronic pain in the jaw or mouth