This cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. It kills one person every five hours in the UK and the number of new cases is rising faster than almost any other cancer.
Early signs:
- ulcers that haven’t healed after three weeks;
- lumps or red or white patches in the mouth;
- any swelling below the neck or chin;
- any pain when chewing or swallowing;
- a feeling that you have something in your throat that cannot be swallowed.
While certain habits undoubtedly make you more likely to develop mouth cancer, research has found that one in four young people who develop the condition presents none of the major risk factors.
If mouth cancer is detected early then the chances of a full recovery are good so it is vital that people are aware of what to look out for and how they can minimise their risk. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness many cases go unnoticed until it is too late.
In the UK around 4,750 new cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed annually. Around 1,600 people die of mouth cancer every year.
Risk factors
- Tobacco use and drinking alcohol to excess are the main risk factors and are thought to account for around 80 per cent of mouth cancers.
- People who use both alcohol and tobacco are up to 30 times more likely to develop the condition.
- Mouth cancer is more likely to affect people over 40 years of age, though an increasing number of young people are developing the condition.
- A poor diet is also a contributory factor.
- 50 years ago mouth cancer was five times more common in men than women. Now it is only twice as common
As the campaign headline goes: If in doubt, get checked out!
You can call the Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188.
