November is Mouth Cancer action month!!!

Did you know that in the UK more than 7000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer annually, and more than 2000 people die from this from of cancer every year?

To put this in perspective, when the mortality rates of both testicular and cervical cancers are combined they still amount to less than those of mouth cancer.

These awful numbers are only expected to increase and that is why this years campaign is all about ensuring early diagnosis and reducing risk factors.

Here at Absolute all our patients are regularly screened for mouth cancer by our dentists at Dental Health Assessments and our hygienists are also trained to recognise any abnormalities. It is important however, that we make also make our patients aware of the signs and symptoms to enable them to recognise any oral changes, as early diagnosis saves lives.

Mouth cancer can affect anyone although approximately 91% of cases are related to lifestyle. This is good news, and means that making some small changes can dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing mouth cancer.

Risk factors include:

Smoking - 2 out of 3 cases of oral cancer in the UK, are diagnosed in smokers.

Alcohol consumption - This is a major risk factor, particularly when combined with smoking

Diet - A healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables reduces your risk of developing moth cancer

HPV virus - This can cause abnormal cell growth which can result in a cancerous growth

Environmental Factors - Passive smoking puts you at higher risk of mouth cancer

 

 

Signs and Symptoms

Mouth cancers’ high mortality rate is largely due to late detection with many being discovered at stage 4 at which point little can be done. If detected quickly 9 in 10 of those diagnosed survive. This means it is important that you pay attention to the inside of your mouth and keep an eye out for any changes. Ensure to check lips, palate, tongue and floor of the mouth.

Do not ignore

-    Ulcers anywhere in the mouth that do not heal within 3 weeks

-    Any lumps or swellings in the mouth or neck area

-    Red or white patches in the mouth

Remember early detection is the key, so, “If in doubt, get checked out”.

 

Information and images have been taken from the www.mouthcancer.org website, please visit this site for more information or speak to one of the team at Absolute who will be happy to help.