Fighting mouth cancer

The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) estimates that this year 6,000 people will be diagnosed with mouth cancer and, without early detection, around half of these people will die. Awareness of mouth cancer has significantly increased over recent years, nevertheless early diagnosis and prevention is still crucial to survival.

The FGDP(UK) recognises the importance of dental professionals in the screening of patients for signs of mouth cancer. The early detection and referral of patients with suspicious oral lesions, coupled with the education of patients as to lifestyle choices, can significantly reduce the debilitating effects of this condition, with the BDHF stating figures showing that early detection can transform survival chances to more than 90 per cent.  

Dental care professionals can play a key role in the detection of oral cancer. For instance, a dental technician may note an unfamiliar area on a plaster model, a dental nurse may see a new and unfamiliar raised area on a lip, or a hygienist may have concern regarding an abnormal area on the internal mouth tissues. The FGDP(UK) is aware of many cases where DCPs have gone on to refer suspect cases, thereby contributing towards early detection and a better outcome for the patient.