The outlook for oral cancer, like many types of cancer, largely depends on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed and how quickly and effectively treatment begins.
Early-stage oral cancer has a much better prognosis than advanced-stage oral cancer. Oral cancer screenings can help catch oral cancer early. The five-year survival rate for those with localized oral cancer (meaning it has not spread beyond the primary location) is significantly higher than for those whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.