Each November, the Oral Health Foundation raises awareness of the risks of mouth cancer during Mouth Cancer Action Month.
We urge patients to check for signs themselves at home. A simple review of you neck, face and the soft tissues of your mouth can alert you to potential problem.
Moreover, we also urge patients to attend regular check-ups with their dental clinician. Becoming a member of your dental practice will help you to attend regularly. And, as part of a routine examination, your therapist or dentist checks the soft tissues of your mouth for symptoms.
A simple check can be a life saver!
Membership includes regular mouth cancer screening.
Spot signs of mouth cancer early
3,000 people a year in the UK die from mouth cancer, and over 10,000 cases are diagnosed with mouth cancer.
Over the last ten years, the number of newly diagnosed cases has increased by 30%. Unfortunately, half of the newly recognised cases are at a later stage, so treatment is more complex and the threat to life is higher.
Early diagnosis saves lives.
Key to prevention is an awareness of the life-style choices that increase risk.
Take action to reduce key risk factors. Eating a healthy diet, not using tobacco products, reducing alcohol, and vaccinating both boys and girls against HPV are wise preventive steps.
Every November Mouth Cancer Action Month reminds everyone to play their part. Routine dental visits are a vital opportunity to identify suspicious lesions, discuss risk factors and encourage patients to check their mouths regularly.
Be mouth aware!
Remember, if you find something suspicious, ask a professional to check.