Epidemiology

Oral cancer accounts for 2% of cancers registered in the UK, with almost 11,000 cases each year. (1)

There is a male to female ratio of 2:1, with 78% of cases occurring in people over the age of 55.

Site incidence of squamous carcinoma in the oral cavity:

• tongue - 50%
• buccal mucosa - 15%
• floor of mouth - 15%
• hard palate - 10%
• lower alveolus - 10%

Reference

1. Oral cancer statistics; Cancer Research UK. February 2026 (online).