Precancerous lesions and oral cancer in the elderly

Oral cancer is closely related to growing old, with over 95% of all cases occurring in individuals over age 40. In spite of advances in treatment, 5-year survival rates remain poor. Therefore, improvement in prevention and control of oral cancer is critically important. This can be accomplished through (1) reducing risks by avoiding tobacco and alcohol; (2) recognizing and treating premalignant lesions; and (3) early detection of developed oral cancers.