Reducing morbidity and mortality from oral and oropharyngeal cancer

There has been no reduction in the incidence of OOPCa, nor has the 5-year survival rate improved over the past 30 years. Most of these cancers are diagnosed in the later stages after they have grown to significant size, have become fixed to surrounding structures, hemorrhagic or painful or have caused noticeable impairment of speech or deglutition. To reduce the incidence of OOPCa and improve outcomes, the public must become more aware of the risk factors and seek regular oral cancer examination. More importantly, health professionals must incorporate a thorough oral soft tissue examination into their routine evaluation of all patients. Although an array of promising new technologies is becoming part of our diagnostic armamentarium, the most important factor is, as it has always been, an educated, astute and conscientious clinician.