Dental patients urged to keep an eye out for signs of mouth cancer
The British Dental Health Foundation is urging patients to be vigilant and look out for warning signs of oral cancer.
Oral cancer is becoming increasingly common, with one person losing their life to mouth cancer every five hours in the UK; however, it doesn’t have the high media profile of other forms of cancer and consequently, people are not aware of the early warning signs and could be ignoring them.
Last week it was announced that Hollywood actor, Michael Douglas, has been diagnosed with throat cancer and dentists are hoping that people will now take more notice of the symptoms of oral cancer. Dr Nigel Carter, from the British Dental Health Foundation, said that many people are unaware of the prevalence of oral cancer and may not be aware that they are suffering from the disease because they do not know how to recognise the symptoms. Early detection and treatment can dramatically increase survival rates; however, currently most cases are diagnosed in the late stages and consequently survival rates are lower.
Dr Carter has urged patients to visit their dentist on a regular basis, to promote good dental health, as well as enabling dentists to check for early signs of oral cancer. Common symptoms of the disease include red and white patches on the tongue or gums, an ulcer which does not seem to be healing and the development of unusual lumps; Dr Carter advises patients with any of these symptoms to arrange to see their dentist as quickly as possible.
Michael Douglas now faces an eight week course of treatment, which will involve chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Doctors are optimistic about his future and are encouraging patients to keep a close eye on their teeth and gums and go for regular examinations.
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