Cancer Research UK Calls For Dentists To Do More To Spot Oral Cancer
Experts from Cancer Research UK have urged dentists to do more to combat oral cancer, a form of cancer that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the UK.
According to experts from the organisation, dentists are in the ideal position to spot the early warning signs of oral cancer and talk to their patients about the cause and risk factors for oral cancer, yet many of them are not fulfilling this role.
According to the charity, all dentists should be asking their patients about their lifestyle choices, including questions about how much they drink and whether they smoke.
Figures suggest that by the year 2030 there will be more than 9,000 cases of oral cancer, compared to 6,240 in 2009. Oral cancer can affect the lips, soft palate, the gums and the lining of the cheeks. Risk factors include smoking, drinking, a poor diet and exposure to the HPV (human papilloma virus).
The latest figures show that the number of cases of oral cancer is on the rise and more and more young people are being diagnosed with the disease.
Hazel Nunn, from Cancer Research UK, said that most cases of oral cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage when there is a lower possibility of successful treatment and urged dentists to use their unique position to talk to patients about oral cancer and look out for symptoms and signs, especially in patients who have risk factors, for example patients who smoke.
The British Dental Association said that checks for oral cancer should be carried out during a routine check-up.
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