Examinations for oral cancer--United States, 1992

During 1992, oral cancer (i.e., cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx) was diagnosed in approximately 30,000 persons in the United States and caused nearly 8000 deaths (1); approximately 70% of deaths from oral cancer are associated with smoking (2) and other forms of tobacco use (3). Although the 5-year survival rate (53%) for persons with oral cancer remains low, survival varies by stage at diagnosis (4). Detection of oral cancers by oral examination can reduce morbidity and death associated with this problem (5). To characterize examinations for oral cancer among U.S. adults, CDC analyzed data from the 1992 National Health Interview Survey-Cancer Control (NHIS-CC) supplement. This report summarizes findings from that analysis.