Expert Raises Concerns Over Mouth Cancer Survival Rates
A leading expert has raised concerns over the survival rates for mouth cancer victims in the UK.
Professor Saman Warnakulasuriya, Professor of Oral Medicine at King’s College, London, said that he was concerned that survival rates for mouth cancer were not improving as quickly as other forms of cancer. The oral medicine expert raised his concerns when speaking at the launch of Mouth Cancer Action Month, which was held at the House of Commons.
Professor Warnakulasuriya said that the increase in cases of mouth cancer was alarming, with a rise of 41 percent in the last decade alone. During his speech, he claimed that survival rates for other forms of cancer were improving, but the same could not be said for mouth cancer, as rates have stayed more or less the same.
The professor blamed a lack of clinical trials for anti-cancer medication and late diagnosis for the increase in cases, as many people do not see their dentist or doctor until they have advanced symptoms, when the disease is difficult to treat.
Despite the worrying figures related to mouth cancer, Professor Warnakulasuriya said that it was encouraging to see steps being taken to improve education for dental professionals and praised the launch of a new oral cancer website.
Mouth Cancer Action Month is a national campaign run by the British Dental Health Foundation. Events will run throughout November to raise awareness of mouth cancer and encourage more people to look out for symptoms and get themselves checked out.
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