Prof Margaret Stanley OBE from the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge was joined at the event by leading figures from the world of dentistry, MPs and mouth cancer survivors. The reception was hosted by the Rt. Hon. Sir Paul Beresford MP, himself a dentist, and will also include speeches from the Foundation's Chief Executive Nigel Carter OBE and President John Siebert.
Mouth Cancer Action Month, run by the British Dental Health Foundation and sponsored by Denplan, takes place throughout November under the strapline ‘If in doubt, get checked out’. The campaign aims to educate people about the main risk factors of mouth cancer, with tobacco use and still being the main cause of the disease. Drinking alcohol to excess, poor diet, the human papillomavirus (HPV) transmitted via oral sex and forms of smokeless tobacco are also risk factors.
Since the turn of the Millennium cases of mouth cancer have increased by 50 per cent. Without early detection and treatment half of them will die. Mouth cancer kills more people than cervical cancer and testicular cancer combined. Twice as many men as women are likely to be diagnosed with mouth cancer, but everyone is at risk.
Prof Stanley said: “The debate about vaccination of the male population is one that needs to be brought to the forefront of the healthcare community.
“The burden of HPV associated cancers is now almost the same in men as in women. Men face a significant and rising risk of HPV-associated disease, and without vaccination men remain at risk. It is not fair, ethical or socially responsible to have a public health policy that leaves half of the population vulnerable to infection. This is why vaccinating men should begin immediately.”
Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation said: “I am delighted Prof Stanley has agreed to be this year’s keynote speaker. Her knowledge of HPV is unrivalled and will certainly provide an excellent insight into the disease.
“HPV is expected to overtake tobacco use as the leading cause of mouth cancer within the next decade, which is why collectively we need to educate the public about the risk factors and signs and symptoms throughout the month.
“If you haven’t done so already, then I urge you to register your details and get involved. Visit www.mouthcancer.org for more information.”