The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Oral Cancer Walk & 5K

Fast Oral Cancer Facts:

• Each year, approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer

• HPV vaccine decreases the risk!

• Early detection is important. The overall 5-year survival rate is 66.2%

• The annual death rate is 10,750 (projected 2020)

• Oral and oropharyngeal cancer account for 2.9% of cancers each year in the U.S

• Risk factors are: HPV, smoking, alcohol, smokeless tobacco, male gender, age

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How do you self screen?

• Dentists have extensive training and experience in screening patients for oral cancer.

• Self screening for oral cancer is very challenging because without the appropriate lighting and tools, the back of your tongue and roof of your mouth are hard to see.

• When performing this screening, look carefully for any unusual areas, red and white areas, bumps, ulcers, or dark spots (like a mole).

• Your tongue may feel fatter or there is a lump on the tongue

• You may experience difficulty swallowing or feel a lump in or around your neck IF YOU FEEL OR SEE ANYTHING UNUSUAL, GIVE YOUR DENTIST A CALL!