Oral cancer: know your risk

Oral cancer has a high mortality rate, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and can result in disfigurement and affect daily activities such as speaking and eating. When detected early, the survival rate is 80%, while late detection survival rate is under 20%.

The risk of oral cancer increases with age and with the use of tobacco products and alcohol.

New risk groups

Incidence of oral cancer has been increasing in young and otherwise healthy patients due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common sexually transmitted virus that can result in a variety of cancers.

Oral cancer also affects some communities more than others. In the general population oral pre-cancer rates are 1 in 800. In South Asians, rates increase to 1 in 150.

BRINGING THE BEST CARE, CLOSER TO HOME

On a day-to-day basis, we see the powerful impact of improving oral health and overall well-being of cancer patients. We are excited to bring this care closer to home for the people of Abbotsford and the eastern Fraser Valley, during their cancer journey.

Dr. Akash Villing BC Cancer Oral Oncology Fraser Valley Professional Practice Leader in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and - Dr. Suzanne Carlisle, Department Head, Oral Oncology/Dentistry Surrey & Abbotsford.