Community health team takes to the streets to raise awareness of mouth cancer in St Helens
A community-based health team has been out and about on the streets of St Helens this month to raise awareness of mouth cancer. Throughout November, which is Mouth Cancer Action Month, the St Helens Wellbeing Service has organised and taken part in activities and events to support the annual campaign.
The team has already attended events across the town this month, and oral health experts will be offering advice and providing local residents with information about oral cancer at the Smokefree St Helens Hub at the Hardshaw Centre on Wednesday 20th November.
The primary aim of Mouth Cancer Action Month, which is run by the Oral Health Foundation and the Mouth Cancer Foundation, is to raise awareness of a disease that affects more than 8,000 people every year in the UK. The latest statistics show that rates have almost doubled in the last ten years, yet public awareness remains very poor. The majority of people are unaware of the causes and symptoms, and this means that many cases go undiagnosed until symptoms become advanced.
The drop-in session on the 20th November is open to all, and the team will be on hand to answer questions, to offer advice about reducing the risk of mouth cancer and to talk to groups about common symptoms and warning signs. The team will also be encouraging individuals to make sure they attend regular dental check-ups, and details of NHS dental services in the area will be available for those who are not currently registered.
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