Breakthrough in mouth cancer research
A new study has revealed a breakthrough in mouth cancer research.
The study, which was conducted by Dr Angela Hong, from the University of Sydney, found that mouth cancer patients with the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) were more likely to survive than those without the HPV.
Dr Hong’s study monitored 198 patients with mouth cancer over a two year period; the study was conducted after patients had been through radiotherapy or surgery. The findings indicated that patients with the HPV had a higher chance of survival than those without the HPV. The study concluded that HPV positive patients were up to four times more likely to survive than those who were HPV negative. The research also found that tumours were three times less likely to reoccur at the primary site in patients with the HPV.
Dr Hong claimed that HPV status was not the most accurate indicator of whether a patient will survive mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer is becoming increasingly common and accounts for one death every five hours in the UK; however, many people are unaware of the disease and consequently fail to spot early warning signs. Most cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, meaning there is a much lower chance of survival.
Dr Nigel Carter, from the British Dental Health Foundation, said there is an alarming lack of awareness of oral cancer, despite its growing prevalence in the UK. Dr Carter has advised people to visit their dentist for regular check-ups and keep an eye out for early warning signs of the disease, which include red or white patches in the mouth, sores which take a long time to heal and unusual swellings in the mouth or throat. Smoking and drinking are major contributors to oral cancer and a poor diet has also been identified as a risk factor.
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