Are you familiar with the signs of oral cancer?
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, and if you’ve been to the dentist recently, you may have noticed posters or leaflets about mouth cancer on the walls or waiting room tables. Mouth cancer is an increasingly common form of cancer, but studies suggest that the vast majority of UK adults aren’t aware of the symptoms. Did you know that bad breath and ulcers that take a long time to heal could be warning signs, for example?
The Oral Health Foundation runs Mouth Cancer Action Month on an annual basis to try and raise awareness of oral cancer and encourage more people to keep an eye out for potential symptoms. As awareness is so poor, most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and dentists and health chiefs are keen to change this.
If you’re not familiar with the symptoms of mouth cancer, being mouth aware and keeping up to date with routine dental checks could save your life. Signs to look out for include mouth ulcers and oral sores that take longer than 2-3 weeks to heal, difficulty swallowing, abnormal lumps or swelling in the mouth, throat or neck, and unexplained pain. Other symptoms may include red or white patches in the mouth, a persistent sore throat, bleeding and severe bad breath.
Dentists recommend attending checks every 6-12 months, but if you do notice any changes in your mouth or throat, or you spot any of the signs listed above, it’s wise to see your dentist or your GP as quickly as possible. In the vast majority of cases, these symptoms will be nothing to worry about, but if there is a problem, early diagnosis can increase survival rates to up to 90 percent.
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