Mouth cancer is any cancer that develops in any of the parts of the mouth. This includes the bottom of the mouth, the top of the mouth, the tongue, the lips, the gums, or the inner lining of the cheeks. Mouth cancer may also be known as oral cancer or oral cavity cancer. It most commonly affects the lips and tongue. Mouth cancer is just one of a few different types of cancers that are considered head and neck cancers. It is estimated that about 10 out of 100,000 adults will develop mouth cancer.

It is important to catch mouth cancer early as it can spread fast. The initial symptom may be a white patch on the cheek or gums or a mouth sore that does not heal. When caught early, 90 percent of people can be cured. However, more than 50 percent of all mouth cancers spread before they are diagnosed.

The signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include a sore that doesn't heal, a lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth, a white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth, loose teeth, poorly fitting dentures, tongue pain, jaw pain or stiffness, difficult or painful chewing, difficult or painful swallowing, sore throat, or feeling that something is caught in your throat. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms and they last for more than two weeks, see your doctor or dentist to get checked out.

There are certain risk factors that raise your risk for developing mouth cancer. The risk factors for mouth cancer include using tobacco of any kind (such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff), excessive use of alcohol, excessive sun exposure to your lips, or having human papillomavirus (aka HPV)  which is a sexually transmitted disease that is transmitted by having unprotected oral sex.

Mouth cancer cannot be prevented. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of mouth cancer:

·         Avoid excessive sun exposure to your lips. Protect your lips from the sun by staying in the shade when possible, wearing gear that protects your face, and wearing sunscreen lip protection. 

·         Make regular dental visits. Make sure your dentist examines your mouth for symptoms of mouth cancer.

·         Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of mouth cancer.

·         Limit alcohol or don’t drink. Excessive alcohol use can make your mouth more susceptible to mouth cancer.

·         Quit smoking or don’t smoke in general. Using tobacco exposes your mouth to cancer-causing chemicals.