Oral cancer manifests as as a persistent growth or sore in the mouth. If not detected and treated early, oral cancer, which includes malignancies of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be fatal. However, with proper treatment, most people survive their first diagnosis of oral cancer. People at greatest risk for developing oral cancer include those who are chronically exposed to substances such as tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, hashish, cocaine, heroin, psychedelics, and ecstasy. Additionally, individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C, are more likely to develop oral cancers because of their decreased immunity. Finally, people who use aspirin regularly may also have an increased risk of developing oral cancers because of its known carcinogenic effects. Overall, oral cancers are less common than other types of cancer but they are responsible for approximately 3% of all adult deaths worldwide. Although mortality rates have declined over the past few decades, due to early detection methods, nearly 600 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in the United States. That's why it's so important that you check your mouth regularly for changes or problems that don't go away quickly. If you have any symptoms of oral cancer, call your doctor immediately.