Hi, I am 16 and I have some pain in the back of my mouth by my tongue in the back of it. I want to know what the chances are of a 16 year old getting oral cancer. I do not smoke however I get it second hand if that helps any. I am really scared about this and thought I could consult in you. I havent been to the dentist yet. I am going to see what you say first before I do to see if I am overreacting about this.

Your chances are very slim. Although we do a few here in their 20's & 30's, the majority are in their 50's. Living in fear is never a good thing though and you should find out what the source of your pain is. An ENT would be better than a dentist if you want to be sure (see your family doctor first and get a referal to an ENT if he thinks you need to). Pain can be a symptom of many things besides cancer, in fact, many of who had cancer had no no pain (I for one). I just had a golf ball+ size tumor in my throat that was highly visible and when I asked my dentist what it was, he couldn't tell me. My only other symptoms were a little raspiness and a feeling that something was stuck in my throat.

I am sorry that you have to be exposed to second hand smoke. I am a musician and was exposed to a lot of second hand smoke before smoking was banned here in California - it might have played a role in my cancer, but typically it takes many years of exposure. Just avoid it as much as you can.

Hey, Josh- It really blew my mind that you found OCF- can you Please tell us how you found this site? {of course I know that most 16 yr. olds are smarter than anyone else on earth when it comes to the computer- at least that's what my grandson tells me !} To put your mind at ease, do what Gary says and go see an Ear,Nose and Throat specialist. AND talk to your buddies about what dangers lie ahead if one smokes or dips tobacco. GrandMa Amy

I found the site because I was researching on chemotherapy for a project once and decided to return for advice which I have gotten. Thanks alot for your help.