West Yorkshire dental team raises awareness of mouth cancer
A West Yorkshire dental team is raising awareness of mouth cancer during November as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month.
The community dental team at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is running a campaign during November to coincide with the Mouth Cancer Foundation’s annual initiative. The team covers Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.
Throughout November, members of the community dental team will be trying to raise awareness of oral cancer and encourage people to look out for warning signs and symptoms and attend screening sessions and routine dental appointments.
The latest statistics show that more than 8,300 new cases of mouth cancer were diagnosed in the UK in 2021. This represents a 30% increase in the last ten years.
Symptoms of mouth cancer include red or white patches in the mouth, lumps or abnormal swelling, slow-healing mouth ulcers and sores, difficulty chewing or swallowing and a persistent sore throat.
In addition to talking to people about the warning signs of mouth cancer, the team also wants to educate the public about causes and risk factors. The leading risk factors for mouth cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol, eating a poor diet and exposure to the HPV (human papilloma virus).
Anyone who is concerned about mouth cancer symptoms should seek urgent advice from their GP or dentist.
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