European Head and Neck Cancer Prevention Week, celebrated on September 19–25, is an opportunity to remind about the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cancers located in the head and neck area, including oral cancers.
On this occasion, the Foundation for the fight against oral cancer "With a smile through life" invites you to Oral Cancer Prevention Days. As part of the campaign, residents of five cities will be able to receive free oral health checkups. Detailed information on locations and dates for these checkups can be found at the end of this article.
Oral Cancers – Numbers You Can't Ignore
The scale of the problem is significant. Data from the National Cancer Registry for 2023 show that 2,710 new cases were recorded, including 1,889 in men and 821 in women. In the same year, 1,942 deaths were recorded – 1,429 in men and 513 in women.
Men accounted for approximately 70% of new cases and 76% of deaths. However, oral cancer is not exclusively a male problem – in 2023, over 800 women were diagnosed with the disease, and over 500 died.
Data from certain locations are particularly concerning. The highest number of new cases in the presented data was reported for other and unspecified parts of the tongue (C02) – 644 cases. There were also 459 deaths. For the floor of the mouth (C04), there were 459 new cases and 419 deaths, while for the oropharynx (C10), there were 277 cases and 269 deaths.
Not only people at risk
The factors that increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer include smoking and the use of nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, alcohol abuse, and HPV infection.
Chronic injuries and irritation of the oral mucosa may also be important – e.g., from ill-fitting dentures, sharp teeth edges, or orthodontic appliances – as well as poor oral hygiene, poor dental condition, reduced immunity, and genetic factors.
At the same time, oral cancer can also develop in people who are not in an obvious risk group. Therefore, regular checkups and careful observation of the oral cavity should be part of everyone's health care.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Not every oral lesion indicates cancer. However, some symptoms may require consultation with a specialist, especially if they persist for a long time or gradually worsen.
Particular attention should be paid to:
- white or red spots and other persistent discolorations of the mucous membrane,
- erosions and ulcers that do not heal within two weeks,
- thickenings or nodules in the soft tissues,
- changes in the tongue, lip, gum or floor of the mouth,
- maxillary or mandibular deformity and facial asymmetry,
- unexplained loosening or spontaneous loss of a tooth,
- bleeding from the mouth or nose and bloody sputum,
- numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the face,
- difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking,
- sudden onset of lisp,
- mismatch of the previously used prosthesis,
- persistent unpleasant odor from the mouth,
- enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
Two-week rule
One of the most important messages of the campaign is the two-week rule: if a lesion in the oral cavity does not disappear within two weeks, it is worth consulting a specialist.
Early detection of the disease can increase the chances of successful treatment, and in many cases it also allows for limiting its extent and better preservation of functions that are extremely important in everyday life – including speaking, eating, swallowing and facial appearance.
Oral Cancer Prevention Days – come and check it out
Oral Cancer Prevention Days, organized by the "With a Smile Through Life" Foundation, are primarily a call to action. A free oral health checkup doesn't replace regular dental visits, but it can be an important step toward greater awareness and prompt response to alarming changes.
Take care of your oral health and come to Oral Cancer Prevention Days.
Where and when can I get tested?
PERIOMEDICA Dental Clinic – Warsaw
September 21, 2026.
Jana Olbrachta Street 23, apartment U1
Registration: 601 216 567, +48 22 12 11 363
Smile Institute – Łowicz
September 21, 2026.
Długa Street 27/3
Registration: +48 46 464 40 50
The event is held under the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Łowicz.
SIDENTAL Private Dental Center – Czechowice-Dziedzice
September 21
Ogrodowa Street 9a
Registration: +48 32 215 22 37
The event is held under the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Czechowice-Dziedzice.
Dentists Michał Sokołowski – Dąbrowa Górnicza
September 25
Queen Jadwiga Street 56
Registration: 500 470 851
SIDENT Private Dentistry Center – Żywiec
September 24
Dworcowa Street 22
Registration: 33 432 28 88
The event is under the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Żywiec.
