1 in 10 Unaware of Mouth Cancer Risk

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One in ten people in the UK are unaware of the risk posed by mouth cancer, according to research carried out by the British Dental Health Foundation.

This month, the UK’s leading charity, the BDHF, is joining forces with dental practices all over the country and mouth cancer charities to raise awareness of mouth cancer, and encourage people to have a screening check. Mouth Cancer Action Month runs throughout November and the aim is to get more people talking about oral cancer and visiting their dentist for routine check-ups and screening tests.

Although 10 per cent of the population is unaware of mouth cancer, surveys show that around half of us are most worried about this form of cancer. Within the last decade alone, the amount of cases has nearly doubled and experts anticipate that as many as 30,000 new cases could be diagnosed in the coming 10-15 years.

In the UK last year, 18 cases were diagnosed each day and figures suggest that the disease is becoming more prevalent. The main risk factors are smoking and drinking alcohol. There has been an increase in the number of young people affected, and it is believed that this is due to the increased threat of HPV infection. HPV (human papilloma virus) is also linked to cervical cancer.

This month, dental experts all over the country are urging patients to be mouth cancer aware and to keep an eye out for changes in the mouth, ulcers that take a long time to heal, difficulty swallowing and the appearance of red or white patches in the mouth.

Clinics and surgeries are offering free screening this month and screening checks can be organised by simply contacting your local dental practice at any time of the year. Dentists also carry out routine checks during your normal check-up.

 

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