Doctors warn: The mouth sore you're ignoring could be cancer

The number of oral cancer cases has doubled in the last 20 years, especially among young people. Dentists warn that any sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks, even if painless, requires immediate medical examination. Experts urge the public to perform a weekly self-check.

Dentists and health organizations are warning about a concerning rise in the incidence of oral cancer, particularly among people under 50. New data shows that the number of new cases has doubled over the past 20 years. The key symptom that is easy to overlook is an ulcer or sore in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks, even if it is painless. Additional warning signs include a red or white patch, swelling or a lump in the mouth, neck, or lip, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. The main risk factors are smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), and recent studies also point to vaping as a potential risk factor. Experts recommend performing a weekly self-check in front of a mirror and consulting a dentist or family doctor for any unusual change lasting more than three weeks.