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.
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.
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.
80–90% survival rate
20–30% survival rate
When found early, oral cancer survival rates are 80–90%. Regular screenings and awareness can make all the difference.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
By linking expertise across borders, this initiative promotes a unified regional response to oral cancer—turning research into practice and education into prevention.
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.
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.
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.
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.
24–25 October 2025
30 October 2025
at Universitas Brawijaya
10 November 2025
at Universitas Brawijaya
13 November 2025
at Universitas Brawijaya
16–19 July 2025
24–25 August 2025
20–21 September 2025
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
Oral cancer remains one of the world’s most preventable yet often overlooked diseases. Despite advances in care, survival rates remain low—largely due to late diagnosis. Dentists play a critical role in changing this narrative. Every routine appointment presents an opportunity for screening, early detection, and patient education.
This handbook is a concise, practical reference created for everyday clinical use. It transforms the latest international guidelines (2020–2025), current research, and global prevention programs into clear, actionable tools for the dental chairside.
Inside, you’ll find: