Today, the British Dental Health Foundation launches Mouth Cancer Action Month in a bid to get more mouth cancers diagnosed at an early stage by increasing education about the potential warning signs and symptoms, as well as the factors that could put us most at risk.
Mouth cancer is one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers, with cases rising by a third in the last decade alone but the oral health charity know that too many are being diagnosed at a late stage, significantly reducing our chance to beat the disease.
Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Nigel Carter OBE, explained how being Mouthaware could save your life: “The number of people in the UK being diagnosed with mouth cancer every year is rapidly approaching 7,000. Sadly, through a lack of awareness and late diagnosis, far too many lives are lost to the disease. Survival rates have not improved in the last thirty years and mouth cancer now takes more lives than testicular and cervical cancer combined.
“A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area , can all be potential signs of mouth cancer so it’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth.
Early warning signs and symptoms of mouth cancer
Mouth cancer can strike in a number of places, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheek. Look out for:
- Mouth ulcers that does not heal within three weeks.
- Red or white patches in the mouth.
- Unusual lumps or swellings.
If in doubt, get checked out by your dentist or doctor.
“Early diagnosis transforms our chances of beating the disease from 50 per cent to 90 per cent so it is crucial that we know what to look out for and that we do not hesitate in seeking advice from a health professional.
“Quite often it is easier to notice lumps and bumps on the outside of the body or to dismiss a mouth ulcer as benign. Most of us will spend at least a few minutes every day in front of a mirror while brushing our teeth so while we’re there it makes sense to have a quick look inside the mouth.
“If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate to visit your dentist or a doctor.”
Rachel Parsons (44), mother of five from Coventry was diagnosed with mouth cancer after noticing a lump in her mouth. Following successful treatment and receiving the all clear, Rachel recounted her experience. Rachel says: “I had a number of recurring ulcers and a lump in my mouth had got worse. My mum was reading an article in a magazine about mouth cancer and recognised some of the symptoms which I had. She pleaded with me to go to my doctor and I’m so glad that I listened.
“Luckily my cancer was diagnosed at an early enough stage and although the road to recovery was tough, the important thing is that I’m still here and feeling stronger than ever.
“The big thing about mouth cancer is raising the awareness. I have been very proactive and helped other people who were in my position. The most important thing for us to remember is that if there’s something not quite right or something that you’re a little bit unsure about, go and get checked out. It saved my life, and it could save yours too.”
Although factors such as tobacco, drinking alcohol to excess, poor diet and human papillomavirus (HPV) transmitted through oral sex, increase our chances of developing mouth cancer, it is a disease that can affect anybody.
“Traditionally mouth cancer was a disease mostly diagnosed in men over 40, but now we are seeing far more women and younger people developing the disease,” added Nigel.
“If through Mouth Cancer Action Month we can help save just one life through early detection then the campaign will be deemed a success.”
Mouth Cancer Action Month is being sponsored by Denplan, who are lending their invaluable support by raising awareness in dental practices all across the country, including raising awareness through the Blue Lip Selfie campaign.
To find out more about mouth cancer, or to support Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit www.mouthcancer.org