ORAL CANCER FACT SHEET

What is Oral or Mouth Cancer? Why is an oral cancer exam important to me? Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth, Could I have oral cancer throat and lips. It is a very deadly It can tell you if you have oral cancer early, so there is a better disease if not caught early. and not know it? chance of a cure.

Yes. The early stages of oral cancer How often should I have an are often hard to see and not What are the early signs of painful. Because you may not know oral cancer exam? Oral cancer? you have oral cancer, it is important At least one time every year • a sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal to ask your dentist or medical • a lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat • a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or provider for an oral cancer exam. lining of the mouth What places you at risk for (which may be painless in the early stages) getting oral cancer? • unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth Screening Saves Lives • a feeling that something is caught in the throat • difficult or painful chewing or swallowing • Cigarette, cigars, snuff. chewing • swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly • a change in the voice Who can do an oral cancer tobacco and pipes • pain in the ear exam? • Alcohol

• Dentist • Sun exposure

• Dental Hygienist • Certain viruses

Need Help? • Doctor • Lack of fruits and vegetables

Contact: • Nurse Practitioner

The Baltimore City Health Department • Physician’s Assistant Cancer Prevention, Education Screening and Treatment Program (CPEST) at What can you do to prevent oral cancer?

(410) 396-3718 • Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, and if you drink, drink only in For: moderation ♦ Free Oral cancer screening for eligible people • Minimize your exposure to the sun and wear lip balm with sunscreen ♦ Information on Oral cancer and screening • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables If your insurance covers screening, contact your doctor. • Get an oral cancer examination at least one time every year

BCHD CANCER PREVENTION, EDUCATION SCREENING and TREATMENT PROGRAM (410) 396-3718 Funded by Cigarette Restitution Fund Program Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene