Cancer can occur in your mouth

Supporting World Cancer Day, the Australian Dental Association is highlighting the impact of oral cancer on peoples' lives.

Oral cancer is caused by a variety of lifestyle risks, many of which are a part of the lives of the majority of Australians.

Every day, at least three Australians are being diagnosed with oral cancer; an insidious, aggressive disease with a survival rate of only 50% over five years. Oral cancer often goes undetected until it is at an advanced stage.

The Chair of ADA’s Oral Health Committee, Dr Peter Alldritt, said: “Smoking, alcohol, poor diet, excess sun exposure, poor oral hygiene and the Human Papilloma Virus, all increase a person’s risk of developing oral cancer. However simple changes to one’s lifestyle will make a big difference to reducing your risk.”