Oral cancer on the rise amongst over-40s
The rate of oral cancer amongst over-40s has increased by around 25% in the past 10 years, according to Cancer Research figures.
In men, oral cancer rates are up 28% since the mid 1990s, while in women, that figure is 24%. This is a 45% increase since records began in 1975.
Experts say the rise is likely a result of increased alcohol consumption, which has doubled since the 1950s.
Founder of the Mouth Cancer Foundation Dr Vinod Joshi said: “’In view of the latest reports from Cancer Research UK, the current alcohol guidelines that we’ve got are actually very high. To reduce the risk of mouth cancer risk, the Mouth Cancer Foundation recommends that people should limit or avoid drinking alcohol altogether.”
The Mouth Cancer Foundation recommends that men cut their drinking back to two standard drinks a day, and women cut back to just one.
Cancer Research UK Health Information Manager Hazel Nunn said: “These latest figures are really alarming. It’s possible that HPV and diet are also playing a role, and the evidence – particularly for the role of HPV – is growing.”
In the UK, around 1,800 people die each year from oral cancer.
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