What can be done to prevent the disease?

Lifestyle changes can be highly effective in preventing oral cancer. A person who uses tobacco in any form should stop. Alcohol use should be avoided, or strictly limited. Lip balms and other methods should be used to avoid sun exposure. It's important to eat a healthy diet, following the food guide pyramid. Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are also important.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Oral cancer can be completely cured if it is treated in the early stages. Many people remain free of the cancer after effective treatment. Others, however, are at risk for a second episode unless they make lifestyle changes to lower their risk factors. Oral cancer that spreads to aggressive local neck disease can cause death. Rarely, death occurs from tumors that have developed in distant parts of the body.

What are the risks to others?

Oral cancer is not contagious and poses no risk to others.