Oral Cancer Can Be Prevented.
Awareness Starts Here.
Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer—often at a late stage. By learning the signs, risks, and prevention steps, you can take control of your oral health and protect your future.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can appear on the tongue, lips, gums, the inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue. Like other cancers, it starts when cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body.
Why It Matters
Oral cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages because the symptoms may seem minor—like a sore that doesn’t heal or a patch inside the mouth. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed only when the disease has already advanced, making treatment more difficult.
Don’t wait!
Regular checkups can make all the difference.
Detected early
80–90% survival rate
Detected late
20–30% survival rate
Who is at Risk?
Tobacco Smoker
Betel Quid Chewer
Heavy Drinker
Poor Oral Care Taker
HPV Carrier
Sun-Exposed Individual
Early Detection Saves Lives
When found early, oral cancer survival rates are 80–90%. Regular screenings and awareness can make all the difference.
Check with your dentist if you have these sign
- Persistent mouth sores
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps or thickening in cheek/tongue
- Difficulty chewing/swallowing/speaking
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
Start Your Prevention Plan
Quit tobacco & limit alcohol
Eat a balanced diet (fruits/vegetables)
Practice good oral hygiene
Use lip balm with sun protection
Regular dental checkups
Oral Cancer Prevention Program
Patent No. IDM001186058 (Indonesia)
The Oral Cancer Prevention Program, patented in Indonesia under Patent No. IDM001186058, is an innovative, evidence-based framework designed to strengthen the early detection and prevention of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).
This program integrates education, clinical screening, community engagement, and research collaboration to reduce oral cancer risk across high-prevalence regions. It provides a standardised oral screening protocol, clinical training for dental professionals, and culturally adapted public health campaigns promoting awareness of betel quid chewing, tobacco use, and early lesion recognition.
Delivered through universities, hospitals, and community health centres, the program also supports data collection and capacity building for ongoing research and policy development. Together, these services create a sustainable model for empowering health professionals and communities to improve oral cancer outcomes across Indonesia and the Asia–Pacific region.
Our Mission
At Oral Cancer Prevention Initiative, we believe that education is the first line of defence against oral cancer.
We work with universities, governments, and communities to equip healthcare providers with the skills and confidence to detect oral cancer early—when treatment is most effective.
Key Focuses
Education and Training
Research and Innovation
Community Partnership
Global Collaboration
Our Global Initiative
Papua New Guinea Oral Cancer Prevention and Education Project
(2024–2027)
Co-led by Dr. Elizabeth Fitriana Sari (La Trobe University), Professor Michael McCullough (University of Melbourne), and Professor Leonard Crocombe (La Trobe University), this pioneering project unites Australian and Papua New Guinean partners in a shared mission to reduce the burden of oral cancer.
In collaboration with the University of Papua New Guinea, the initiative delivers hands-on training, develops standardized research protocols, and empowers local health professionals to identify and manage oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).
By combining education, research, and community engagement, this partnership is strengthening oral cancer control systems and building sustainable regional capacity across the Pacific.
Australia–Indonesia Oral Cancer Training Program
(DFAT-Funded)
As Principal Investigator, Dr. Elizabeth Fitriana Sari designed and implemented this national oral cancer education framework funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The program reached eight Indonesian provinces and trained over 1,800 dental professionals, focusing on early detection, biopsy, referral, and patient education.
The initiative established enduring collaborations between Australian and Indonesian universities, government agencies, and professional dental associations.
Its success continues to influence public health policies, curricula, and national oral cancer prevention strategies across Indonesia.
Asia–Pacific Oral Cancer Education and Research Network
(Launched 2024)
Building on the success of the Australia–Indonesia and Papua New Guinea initiatives, Dr. Elizabeth Fitriana Sari is now spearheading the Asia–Pacific Oral Cancer Education and Research Network—a regional platform connecting universities, ministries of health, and professional bodies across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
The network aims to:
- Harmonize training and screening protocols for oral cancer and OPMDs.
- Facilitate collaborative research and publication across member institutions.
- Support mentorship and leadership development among emerging oral health educators.
By linking expertise across borders, this initiative promotes a unified regional response to oral cancer—turning research into practice and education into prevention.
Resources & Publications
Practical Tools for Clinicians
Explore evidence-based guides and training resources for dentists and oral health professionals.
Oral Cancer & OPMDs Handbook (2025 edition) and region-specific oral cancer screening checklists.
Publications
High-Impact & Relevant to Australia–Indonesia Relations
Sari, E.F., Johnson, N.W., McCullough, M.J., et al. (2024). Prevalence and risk factors of oral potentially malignant disorders in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study in 5 provinces. Nature Scientific Reports.
Sari, E.F., Johnson, N., McCullough, M.J., Cirillo, N. (2023). Global Burden of Disease Data for Indonesia. The Lancet Global Health.
Sari, E.F., Mohammed, A.I., Celentano, A., McCullough, M.J., Cirillo, N. (2023). Cytotoxic Effects of Indonesian Betel Quid Components. BioChem.
Oral Cancer Prevention & Regional Health
Jasim, A., Li, X., Octavia, A., Gunardi, I., Crocombe, L., Sari, E.F. (2024). Betel quid use and oral malignancies in Southeast Asia & Pacific. Frontiers in Oral Health.
Sari, E.F., Hidayat, W., Dewi, T.S., et al. (2023). Dentists’ knowledge and practices on oral cancer in Indonesia. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research.
Sari, E.F., McCullough, M.J., Cirillo, N. (2023). Educational intervention of oral cancer screening for Indonesian general dentists. International Dental Journal.
Public Health & Cross-Border Capacity Building
Sari, E.F., McCullough, M.J., Cirillo, N. (2023). Educational intervention of oral cancer screening for Indonesian general dentists. International Dental Journal.
Sari, E.F., Prayogo, G.P., et al. (2020). Phenolic, alkaloid and antioxidant profiles in betel quids from Indonesia. Nature Scientific Reports.
Education in Action
2025
The 18th FDI Scientific Conference – Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
24–25 October 2025
- Lecture: Oral Ulcerations and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)
Universitas Mulawarman – 24 October 2025 - Hands-On Workshop: A Key Role of Dentists in Early Detection of Oral Cancer
(Recognizing Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders [OPMDs] and Oral Cancer)
Sponsored by Ohawe and The 18th FDI – 25 October 2025 - Training of Trainers: Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases and Geriatric Oral Health
Universitas Mulawarman – Sponsored by Ohawe – 26 October 2025, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Lecture: Oral Ulcerations and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS)
Lecture 1: Oral Premalignant Disorders and Oral Cancer Management
30 October 2025
at Universitas Brawijaya
Lecture 2: Oral Mucosal Screening, Biopsy, and Adjunct Tools
10 November 2025
at Universitas Brawijaya
Workshop: Scientific Publication in High-Rated Journals
13 November 2025
at Universitas Brawijaya
International Academy of Oral Oncology Conference – Liverpool, UK
16–19 July 2025
The Oral Cancer Workshop – Papua New Guinea
24–25 August 2025
Forkomil International Conference – Universitas Baiturrahman, Indonesia
20–21 September 2025
2024
National Oral Cancer Workshop – Papua New Guinea (2024)
International Class Lecture – Universitas Hasanuddin, Indonesia (2024)
Get Involved
Together, we can change the future of oral cancer care.
We welcome universities, professional associations, and clinicians who share our vision of early detection and education for all.
Contact details:
📧 info@oralcancerprevention.info
🌐 www.oralcancerprevention.info
