Oral cancer: a comparative study between 1962-67 and 1980-84 in England and Wales.

This study reveals that changes are occurring in the pattern of oral cancer. Despite decreases in the number of lip and salivary gland cases, intra-oral cancer is increasing. The number of new cases is rising, especially in females, and it is presenting at a younger age in males. Intra-oral cancer deaths have increased, with females showing a 40% rise. The mortality rate has deteriorated to 62%. It is possible that these increases could be attributed to continued lack of public awareness of the disease and a considerable rise in alcohol consumption per head of population in the UK.