Risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and HPV increase the incidence of oral cancer in Spain and Europe.

Oral cancer is a malignant disease that can develop in any part of the oral cavity, including the tongue, gums, palate, buccal mucosa, and lips . It is more common in men than in women, and the main risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, especially in combination. However, other factors such as poor oral hygiene, sun exposure to the lips, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly type 16, which is associated with an increase in cases, especially in younger people, can also play a role.

In 2024, approximately 7,603 new cases of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer were estimated to occur in Spain . This figure comes from the report of the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN) , which provides annual estimates of cancer incidence in the country.

In terms of mortality, oral and pharyngeal cancer has a high rate, mainly because many cases are diagnosed in advanced stages.

In the framework of the European Day Against Oral Cancer , celebrated on June 12, Dr. Milagros Díaz Rodríguez , head of the High-Risk Dentistry Unit at Ruber Internacional Centro Médico Habana , emphasizes the importance of early detection to improve patient outcomes and survival. The specialist explains that identifying lesions in their initial stages, such as ulcers that last more than 15 days, white or red lesions that do not disappear, lumps, persistent pain, or changes in the oral structure, can make the difference between a healthy life and serious complications.

Dr. Díaz Rodríguez insists that oral self-examination and regular checkups—at least once a year, or every six months in high-risk cases—are essential for detecting suspicious signs early . She also highlights the key role dentists play in early identification, as they are the first to examine the oral cavity and can perform biopsies to confirm diagnoses at early stages.

Cancer treatment can affect oral health, causing dryness, sores, mucositis, infections, difficulty speaking or swallowing, tooth loss, and taste disturbances.

For this reason, the doctor at Ruber International Medical Center in Havana recommends maintaining rigorous oral hygiene: using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently, avoiding irritating foods —especially those with rough textures, very hot foods, or highly seasoned foods—and visiting the dentist every four months for a follow-up visit. "It's important to maintain oral hydration by using specific gels and drinking water frequently," the specialist emphasizes.

Finally, the doctor insists that early detection saves lives and allows patients to undergo more conservative treatments with fewer complications. "For any sore that doesn't heal, a spot, or a lump in the mouth , you should see an oral medicine specialist. Prevention and regular checkups are crucial for reducing mortality from oral cancer."

Dr. María Cruz Martín Soberón , a specialist in Medical Oncology in the treatment of Head and Neck tumors at Ruber International Hospital , describes that head and neck cancers are malignant tumors located in the upper aerodigestive tract and represent 5% of tumors diagnosed in the adult population of Spain. "Depending on the organ on which the primary lesion depends, there are different cancers: nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, oral cavity, nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses, cavum and salivary glands (major and minor)," she clarifies. In addition, she highlights that, as in Europe, in Spain these tumors represent the 6th most common neoplasia, the 5th in men .

According to the specialist, nearly 90% of head and neck cancers have squamous cell carcinoma. "Despite being a common disease, there are currently no population-based screening programs available as we do for other tumors (breast, cervical, or colon cancer). This makes clinical suspicion and prompt patient referral essential to increase diagnosis in early stages," the oncologist maintains.

Both specialists agree that the importance of early diagnosis lies in the fact that these tumors have a better prognosis when they are detected and treated in their early stages .