Bexhill woman calls for free dental treatment for cancer patients following breast cancer diagnosis
A woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer just days after her 50th birthday is calling for free dental treatment for cancer patients.
Heidi Mitchell, from Bexhill, was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer, known as triple-negative breast cancer, in May this year. This type of cancer, which accounts for approximately 15% of breast cancer cases in the UK, is not receptive to most of the treatments used to target other types of breast cancer.
Since her diagnosis, Heidi has struggled to get a dental appointment, which was required before she started chemotherapy. With the type of drug doctors would use to treat Heidi, there is a risk of damage to the teeth and gums as a result of blood supply being restricted to the jaw bone.
Heidi was advised to see a dentist who could confirm in writing that she was fit to start chemotherapy but was unable to book an NHS appointment until July. Eager to begin treatment as quickly as possible, Heidi ended up paying for private dental care at a cost of £2,600 at a time when money was already tight.
Heidi is one of many people facing dental problems as a result of chemotherapy treatment and she is appealing for more help to be provided for those undergoing treatment. NHS dental care is not widely available, it is difficult to access affordable care and most people cannot afford to see a private dentist. Heidi’s sister, Donna, has set up a funding page to help with costs and she has already raised £2,000.
Join this Discussion