It is essential that people understand that, like many cancers, oral cancer is treatable and can be cured if detected early. Individuals who are screened will receive a comprehensive oral cancer examination. In addition, screening participants will learn how to identify oral cancer risk factors and symptoms, as well as how to access low-cost oral care within their communities. If an individual is found to have a suspicious-looking lesion, the examining dentist will use a new, painless brush biopsy system to determine if there are any potentially cancerous cells present. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early detection is key to increasing the survival rate for oral cancer.
Early detection plays a significant role in patients' success in fighting the disease.
Survival rates are as high as 81 percent with early detection, in contrast with a survival rate of 17 percent or less with late intervention. However, only 15 percent of the population report ever having an oral cancer examination and a mere 7 percent report receiving annual screenings. Oral cancer kills more people worldwide each year than those diagnosed with melanoma, cervical cancer, or Hodgkin's disease each year. Unlike other, more familiar cancers, the mortality rate for oral cancer has not improved in the past 40 years, killing approximately one half of patients diagnosed with this form of cancer. The early stage of oral cancer generally causes no pain or discomfort and may be difficult to diagnose visually.