London dentist highlights the importance of being mouth-aware during Mouth Cancer Action Month
London dentist, Dr Sameer Patel, is encouraging everyone to be mouth-aware this November as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month.
Dr Patel claims that many people are still unaware of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer, despite the fact that the number of cases has increased by more than a third in the last decade. At the moment, figures suggest that survival rates have stalled, and this is largely due to the fact that most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. If more cases were diagnosed early, there’s every chance that more people would be able to fight this deadly disease.
Dr Patel, from Elleven Dental, is warning people to be wary of changes in the mouth and to look out for swelling and lumps, abnormal pain, a persistent sore throat, slow-healing sores and ulcers and red or white patches in the mouth.
Mouth cancer can affect soft tissue in the throat or the mouth, and it can be difficult to spot at an early stage. This is why dentists are so eager to promote screening and regular routine check-ups. When you have a check-up, your dentist will look around the mouth and check for potential abnormalities which may need further investigation. If symptoms are detected early, the chances of survival can be increased by up to 90 per cent.
Mouth cancer is most commonly found in men over the age of 50; however, there has been an increase in the number of women and younger people affected, and dentists are keen to educate patients about causes and risk factors. The most significant risk factors include smoking, drinking alcohol and chewing tobacco. A poor diet lacking in vitamins and minerals and exposure to HPV (human papilloma virus) are also thought to increase the risk.
This November, dentists across the country are taking part in Mouth Cancer Action Month, so look out for free screening in your local area.
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