Oral Cancer Statistics Updated

The latest cancer figures show that a Victorian is diagnosed with oral cancer every one-and-a-half days. More than 25% of these cases result in death.

According to data from the Cancer Council of Victoria, 230 Victorians were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2003. During that year, 43 men and 22 women in the State died from oral cancer. The Media Release highlighting some of this data is at the Quit website.

Speaking at the launch of the figures today, ADAVB President Dr Chris Callahan (pictured) said that dentists were at the front-line in diagnosing oral cancer.

"Oral cancer can be an incredibly destructive disease, but it is important to note that early detection significantly increases the chances of patients' survival," he said.

The Director of the Cancer Council of Victoria, Professor David Hill, said the sad fact about oral cancer is that many of the deaths it causes could have been prevented. He said the overwhelming majority of cases of oral cancer are a result of the combined effects of smoking and alcohol.