The occurrence of oral cancer is more common than one might think. In fact, it's as common as leukemia and claims more lives each year than either melanoma or cervical cancer. That is why the American Cancer Society recommends oral cancer screening as a part of routine cancer-related check-ups. However, doctors don't examine individuals for oral cancer, dentists do.

There are several warning signs of oral cancer. Some examples are listed below:

A sore that bleeds easily or doesn't heal;

A color change of any oral tissues;

A lump or thickening or oral tissues;

A white patch, red spot or small sore;

Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips;

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the tongue or jaw; and

A change in the way your teeth fit together.

Here is the very good news. Most oral cancers can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors. Listed below are some of the rick factors to avoid:

Tobacco use in any form;

Alcohol use combined with smoking;

Prolonged exposure to the sun;

More likely to strike after the age of 40;

More than 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors;

Pre-cancerous spots can develop into cancer if not detected early and removed.

In addition, according to the American Cancer Society, eating a healthy, balanced diet of ant least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily may provided some protection against oral cancer.

Lip cancers can be prevented by avoiding unprotected sun exposure, as well as pipe and cigar tobacco. In order to detect oral cancer at any early, curable stage, your dentist should examine the lips, tongue and mouth for any abnormal changes during a six month examination. Prevention is so important that oral self-examination between dental visits is recommended. Whether you notice something unusual or whether the dentist detects something during an examination, the good news is that most of the spots are harmless. The problem is that harmful spots look identical to those that are harmless. Only specialized lab testing can tell them apart. If you notice anything unusual, do not delay. For your peace of mind, you should schedule a complete dental exam. Find a local dentist who is aware of and active in the screening for oral cancers. A dentist is not just available to work with teeth. A dentist is looking to all areas of the mouth to make sure that the patient remains healthy.