Warrington Hospital invites patients to attend free mouth cancer screening
Warrington Hospital is offering free mouth cancer screening this month to support Mouth Cancer Action Month.
A campaign run by the Oral Health Foundation and the Mouth Cancer Foundation, the annual initiative aims to educate people about the causes and symptoms of mouth cancer and promote screening and regular dental checks.
Hospital practitioner, Stephen Porter, who works in the oral and maxillofacial surgery department, said that there’s nothing for patients to be worried or scared about. Screening checks and quick and painless and they flag up potential warning signs. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the symptoms of mouth cancer, and this means that most cases are diagnosed at a late stage.
Mr Porter advised patients not to hesitate to get in touch with their GP, dentist or the hospital if they have questions about oral cancer, or they’re concerned about symptoms they have spotted. The most common signs of mouth cancer include lumps or swelling in the mouth or throat, slow-healing ulcers, unexplained pain or bleeding, numbness in the tongue, a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Anyone who wishes to undergo a free screening check is encouraged to visit the Appleton Wing of the hospital between 9am and 12pm or 1.30pm and 4pm on Wednesday 13th November. Appointments are not required.
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