Cancer charity urges ‘If in doubt – get checked out’

At present an average of 233 people in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year. Many are diagnosed at a late stage, with 95 dying from the disease.

Cancer Focus NI and BDA have joined forces to mark Mouth Cancer Month in November by raising awareness of the early signs of mouth cancer and encouraging people to seek medical help if they have any concerns.

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Cancer Focus NI, said, “The main risk factors of mouth cancer are tobacco use and drinking alcohol and together these account for around 75 per cent of mouth cancers. People who both drink and use tobacco are up to 30 times more likely to develop the condition.

“The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is also a leading cause and the recent move to extend the HPV vaccine to include adolescent boys in Northern Ireland will save lives.

“The message is clear – stop smoking, reduce your intake of alcohol, eat a healthy diet with at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables and remember that early diagnosis can really make the difference. Make sure you visit a dentist and check your mouth regularly – it might just save your life.”