A 2-Minute Self-Check Test Can Help the Fight Against Oral Cancer

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

This observance aims to raise awareness about oral cancer, promote early detection, and encourage regular oral health screenings.

About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops on the tongue, inner cheek linings, gums, floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat. It accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States (NIH). The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) most recent estimates of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in 2025 is about 59,660 new cases.

Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women. Oral cancers are primarily diagnosed in older adults, particularly those with a history of tobacco and alcohol use.

According to the ACS, it is now occurring more frequently in people under the age of 40. The number of oropharyngeal cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections is rising. They tend to be found in younger people who do not smoke or drink alcohol and tend to have a better outcome (prognosis) than throat cancers that are not caused by HPV.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Lifestyle choices remain the biggest cause. Alcohol and tobacco use remain the greatest risk factors. Using them in combination increases the risk 15 times over using one or the other (AAOMS). Tobacco use includes smoking products such as cigarettes and pipes, and smokeless products such as chewing tobacco.

Certain types of HPV infections are also causes of most oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancers. Another risk factor includes a person’s family history.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Below are common signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue.
Numbness, pain, or tenderness on your face and neck or in your mouth that occur without apparent cause.
Sores on your lip or inside your mouth that bleed easily and don’t heal within two weeks.

The 2-Minute Oral Cancer Self-Check Test

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer cases are particularly high, not because it is difficult to diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development.

In 2015, the Mouth Cancer Foundation launched a simple self-examination for oral cancer that anyone can carry out at home and at any time. The easy-to-do self-check test can help show someone what to look for and allow oral cancer to be caught earlier. The do-it-yourself mouth cancer check only requires a mirror, a good light source, and clean fingers. Click here for the self-check guide.

Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer

Developing oral cancers can be significantly reduced by taking the following steps to avoid certain risk factors.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Use of tobacco and alcohol are among the highest risk factors for oral cancers.
Consider the HPV vaccine. HPV is a common virus that is passed through sexual contact. For most people, it causes no problems and goes away on its own. For others, it causes changes in the cells that can lead to many types of cancer, including mouth cancer. Click here to learn more about the HPV vaccine.
Get regular medical and dental exams. Early detection is key. During your appointments, your dental or medical provider can check your mouth for signs of cancer.