Experts Alarmed at Lack of Mouth Cancer Awareness
Health and dental experts are alarmed at the lack of public awareness of mouth cancer, a disease that is becoming increasingly common.
Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said that the lack of awareness was “truly shocking”, especially as the number of cases has doubled over the last decade.
Dr Carter’s reaction was promoted by the worrying findings of a survey carried out by the BDHF, which revealed that almost three quarters of Londoners were unable to identify one symptom of mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer kills more people than cervical and testicular cancer combined, but awareness of the disease is poor because it has a low media profile. Most people are unaware of the signs they should be looking out for and as a result of this the majority of cases in the UK are not diagnosed until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Early detection is vital and survival rates are up to 90% higher if the disease is detected and treated early.
Dr Carter has urged people to take notice of the Mouth Cancer Action Month, a national campaign, which will run throughout November. Symptoms and signs to look out for include slow-healing sores and ulcers, red or white patches in the mouth and abnormal swellings in the mouth or throat.
Many dental practices are offering free screening sessions during November and the BDHF is urging people to make the most of this opportunity and get checked out.
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