UK’s first report into mouth cancer reveals huge gamble the nation is taking with its health
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 1st November 2018
The UK’s first State of Mouth Cancer Report highlights the dramatic and sharp rise in cases of mouth cancer and the dangerous lack of awareness. The eye-opening report shows nearly 8,300 people-a-year are now diagnosed with the disease – a 49 per cent increase compared to a decade ago and a 135 per cent increase from 20 years ago. Despite this, the large majority of Brits remain unaware of the signs and symptoms.
According to the report, three in four British adults do not know the symptoms while more than four in five do not know where mouth cancer appears. The new findings published by Oral Health Foundation and Simplyhealth Professionals to coincide with November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month indicate the alarming facts of the disease and highlights the need for more education regarding risk factors linked to mouth cancer.
Speaking on the release of the report, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says: “We have published this report to highlight the need for greater awareness of mouth cancer. It is extremely concerning to see the lack of basic knowledge about the disease, especially as it continues to affect more people every year.
“For so long, mouth cancer seems to have gone under the radar. It is now time for us to take notice and learn what we need to, so that we can help protect ourselves and others around us.
“It is so important to understand what is most likely to put us at risk, how we can spot mouth cancer, and where we can go if we see anything out of the ordinary.”
Smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol to excess, the human papillomavirus HPV (transmitted through oral sex), and poor diet are the leading causes of the disease.
The early warning signs of mouth cancer are mouth ulcers that last longer than three weeks, red or white patches and unusual lumps and swellings. The disease can appear in the mouth, lips, head and neck.
Dr Catherine Rutland, Head of Professional Support Services at Simplyhealth Professionals, adds: “We must use this report, along with campaigns like Mouth Cancer Action Month, as a springboard to help increase awareness of mouth cancer.
“It is important to know how and where mouth cancer can appear and to be alert to any changes in and around the mouth. Regular dental visits remain crucial to spotting mouth cancer early, as your dentist will examine you for mouth cancer during every routine appointment. However, being vigilant in between appointments and checking your own mouth will also help to find any early signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the signs, make an appointment with your dentist who will be able to examine you further.
“Mouth cancer is beatable, but we have to act quickly. An early diagnosis is vital and can not only save a life but can also improve quality of life.”
You can help to raise awareness of mouth cancer by taking and sharing your #BlueLipSelfie on social media and on the gallery at www.bluelipselfie.com to drive everyone to be more mouthaware.”
The full State of Mouth Cancer Report can be online at www.dentalhealth.org/stateofmouthcancer
