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Some people use statistics to try to figure out their chances of getting cancer or of being cured. It is important to remember that this data shows what happens with large groups of people. Because no two people are alike, this information can't be used to know or predict what will happen to you.
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There is no way to know for sure if you're going to get oral cancer. Certain factors can make you more likely than someone else to get it. These are called risk factors. However, just because you have one or more risk factors doesn't mean you will get oral cancer. In fact, you can have all the risk factors and still not get it. Or you can have no known risk factors and get it.
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If you have any of the factors that put you at risk for oral cancer, what can you do? The best thing is to try to avoid the risks that you can. There are also several lifestyle changes you can make that may help reduce your risk.
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Many oral cancers are found because a person notices unusual changes in his or her own mouth. You, too, can check your mouth for early signs of oral cancer. All you need to do is open your mouth and look into a mirror. Here's a list of symptoms to check for.
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Precancerous oral lesions are abnormal cell growths in or around the mouth. They may become cancer. Cancerous oral lesions are life-threatening cell changes in the mouth. These lesions need to be detected early to give you a better chance for a cure.
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