Mouth Cancer Action Month ‘If in doubt, get checked out’ November is Mouth Cancer Action Month

About mouth cancer…  Mouth cancer is a disease which can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat  There are more than 6,500 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK each year  Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, but it is more common in people over 40, particularly men  Mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women  The number of new cases of mouth cancer is on the increase Mouth Cancer Action Month

What causes mouth cancer?  Smoking causes around 75% of all mouth cancer cases  Drinking alcohol to excess can increase mouth cancer risks by four times  Those who smoke and drink to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop the disease  An unhealthy diet has also been linked to mouth cancer  Over-exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of cancer of the lips  The Human Papillomavirus, transmitted via oral sex, is increasingly being linked to mouth cancer in younger people Mouth Cancer Action Month

What you can look out for…  Mouth cancer can strike in a number of places, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheek  Given early detection is so crucial with mouth cancer, it is important that everyone knows the signs and symptoms. These include:  Ulcers which do not heal three weeks  Red and white patches in the mouth  Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth  If any of these are noticed, it is essential that you tell your dentist or doctor immediately Mouth Cancer Action Month

Early detection is vital  Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth examination  Please do talk about the examination with your dental professional – they will be more than happy to talk through exactly what they are doing, where they are looking, and what they are searching for  If mouth cancer is recognised early, then the chances of a cure are good  Many people with mouth cancer go to their dentist or doctor too late  It is important to visit your dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist regularly, as often as they recommend Mouth Cancer Action Month

How can I make sure that my mouth stays healthy?  Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend  Look out for any changes in your mouth, and report any red or white patches, unusual lumps and swellings, or ulcers that have not cleared up within three weeks  When exposed to the sun, be sure to use protective sun cream  A good diet, rich in vitamins A, C and E, provides protection against the development of mouth cancer  Cut down on your smoking and drinking Mouth Cancer Action Month

Young, old, smokers and non-smokers, more than 6,500 people will be diagnosed with mouth cancer this year in the UK. Without early detection half will not survive Self-examination is a simple, potentially life- saving process. Look out for ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth, and unusual lumps or swellings Know the risk factors and regularly visit your dentist to ensure you are checked for signs of mouth cancer Be mouthaware For more information about mouth cancer, please visit Mouth Cancer Action Month FactCheckAct