Risk factors, warning signs, and importance of early detection of oral cancer.

Oral cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of mouth, hard palate, and throat. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and excessive sun exposure (lip cancer). Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Warning signs include sores that don't heal within 2 weeks, white or red patches, unexplained bleeding, numbness, persistent sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Regular dental checkups include oral cancer screening.