What is mouth cancer?
- Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, can affect any part of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, or lips.
- Anyone can get mouth cancer, but the risk increases with age. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 66 and 70.
- How serious it is depends on the type of mouth cancer, how big it is, if it has spread, and your general health.
Important: Get your symptoms checked
It’s important to get any symptoms of mouth cancer checked as soon as possible. If cancer is found early, it may be more treatable.
Page last reviewed: 19 June 2023
Next review due: 19 June 2026