Increase the proportion of oral and pharyngeal cancers detected at the earliest stage — OH‑07

Status: Baseline only

  
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Baseline only

Most Recent Data:
29.5 percent (2016)

Target:
34.2 percent

Desired Direction:
Increase desired

Baseline:
29.5 percent of oral and pharyngeal cancers were detected at the earliest stage (Stage 1 localized) in 2016

Increase the proportion of oral and pharyngeal cancers detected at the earliest stage

Target-Setting Method
Percentage point improvement

Summary

Oral and pharyngeal cancers affect areas like the lips, cheeks, gums, throat, and tongue. When these cancers are diagnosed early, they’re easier to treat — but most people with oral and pharyngeal cancers aren’t diagnosed in the earliest stage. Screening for these cancers at every dental visit can lead to earlier diagnosis, especially in people at higher risk because of alcohol or tobacco use and certain types of viral infections.

Workgroup: Oral Health Workgroup