Health State Health Officer

Watch Your Mouth: Signs of Oral Cancer Can Be Found Early by Your Dentist

  • Newsroom
  • April 1, 2026

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. While the statistics about the incidence and deaths from oral cancer are troubling, the good news is that there is a high survival rate if oral cancer is detected in its early stages. Dentists can identify precancerous changes during routine exams.

According to Alabama's Dental Health Officer, Tommy Johnson, D.M.D.:

  • Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx include areas like the tongue, cheeks and gums, floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat.
  • Most of these cancers (72 percent) are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). Most people (85 percent) are exposed to HPV during their lifetime. However, the HPV vaccination can protect you from getting the virus. The HPV vaccination is recommended for boys and girls, men and women, ages 9-45. Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine and how it can protect against oral cancer.
  • Oral cancers are also caused by a history of tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco use includes smoking products such as cigarettes and pipes, and smokeless products.

Symptoms of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx can include:

  • A sore that does not heal.
  • Swelling or unusual bleeding.
  • Difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing food.
  • Pain in the mouth or throat that won't go away.

Treatment and recovery

Treatments for cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx can include surgery and chemotherapy. People treated for cancer with chemotherapy may experience oral issues such as painful mouth ulcers, impaired taste, and dry mouth. Dry mouth increases the risk of cavities, so it is important to visit your dentist regularly when undergoing cancer treatment.

Regular oral health screenings are vitally important. In 2024, Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, recorded public service announcements encouraging Alabamians to have regular health check-ups and screenings with dentists. He shared his personal cancer diagnosis and treatment experience. The "#WatchYourMouth for Signs of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer" campaign emphasizes the importance of performing oral cancer self-exams and getting the HPV vaccine. Go to the ADPH Oral Health website to view the YouTube PSAs.

Statistics

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 53,260 people will be diagnosed this year with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, including tonsil cancer. The Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry collects, manages, and analyzes cancer data. Between 2014 and 2023, the age-adjusted incidence rate for oral cavity and pharynx cancer was 19.0 per 100,000 in men and 6.9 per 100,000 in women in Alabama. There were 5,613 men and 2,273 women diagnosed during this time for a total of 7,886 Alabamians. According to the Alabama Center for Health Statistics, in the years 2020 through 2024, 1,029 Alabama residents, 732 men and 297 women, died from lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancer.

Dentists are trained to spot early signs of oral cancer, so see your dentist regularly, especially if you use tobacco products or have other risk factors. Early detection saves lives.

Scott Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
State Health Officer