Oral cancer risks highlighted on World Cancer Day

Three Australians are diagnosed with oral cancer every day. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is aiming to raise awareness about oral cancer on World Cancer Day on Saturday 4 February.

Dr Michael Foley, Vice Chair of the ADA’s Oral Health Committee, said, “When Australians think of cancer it does not immediately come to mind that cancer can occur in the mouth. However, certain habits can increase a person’s risk of developing oral cancer – such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption, which increases that risk by more than 80%."

The theme for World Cancer Day 2016-18 is ‘We can. I can’, conveying the message that as individuals, families, communities and at the governmental level, we all can take action to reduce the impact of cancer.

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