The New Face of Oral Cancer - Oral HPV (human papillomavirus) is now considered to be a serious risk factor for developing oral cancer. It is one of the most common virus groups in the world, with 6 million new cases a year. Previously people were placed at high risk for oral cancer due to alcohol and tobacco related habits. Now patients that are non-smokers and range in age from 18 - 40 years old can also be at risk. People who are sexually active, have a family history of oral cancer, or have suspicious oral lesions should be aware of the new Salivary DNA test available. This test determines if you are at an increased risk for HPV-related oral and throat cancers. With this information we are able to help put together a protocol to identify lesions before they are diagnosed at a late stage of cancer.