Due to the progressive nature of the disease, it is recommended that patients over 20 years old be screened every 3 years, and for patients over 40 to be screened annually. As is the case with any form of cancer, early detection is essential in combating it.
In general, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form of lumps, patchy areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the mouth. In many cases, these abnormalities are not painful in the early stages, making even self-diagnosis difficult.