Oral cancer is a malignant tumor which occurs on the lips, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, or in the throat. More than 250,000 Americans are living with oral cancer. Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. There are more Americans living with oral cancer than with leukemia, brain tumors, melanoma skin cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Oral cancer affects both men and women and Americans of all races and ages. Unlike other cancers, the number of Americans with oral cancer each year has been increasing for the past decade. Researchers do not know why oral cancer is increasing, particularly among young people. One American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. The number of Americans dying of oral cancer also is increasing each year. Only half of Americans with oral cancer will survive 5 years after their diagnosis. Oral cancer treatment often involves disfiguring surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Extensive reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation is often needed. The goal of oral cancer research is to benefit all affected Americans by preventing and ultimately curing this dreaded disease.