Part 1: Getting Ready for Liftoff

If any of these conditions are present, simply quitting the use of smokeless tobacco may not be enough. Contact your physician immediately. The 5-year survival rate of those with localized oral cancer at diagnosis is 76% compared to only 19% for those whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

1. White patches on the tissue of the oral cavity

2. A lump or thickening in the oral soft tissue

3. Soreness or feeling that something is caught in the throat

4. Difficulty chewing or swallowing

5. Ear pain

6. Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue

7. Hoarseness

8. Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth

9. For denture wearers: swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable

Regular dental check-ups and physician visits can help you catch a problem early on. Be sure to tell your dentist and physician that you use smokeless tobacco products. Of course, quitting is the best thing you can do to prevent long-term health problems from smokeless tobacco.