Health experts urge people to be wary of mouth cancer

Health experts urge people to be wary of mouth cancer

14 November 2012

THE South Eastern Trust is encouraging people across the district to be wary of the early signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.

It has launched a new campaign to inform and educate the public about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

Mouth cancer rates are continuing to rise in both men and women, especially in the under 50s, with more young people developing mouth cancer than ever before.

By 2030, it is predicted there will be 9,200 cases of mouth cancer every year in the UK, compared with 6,240 in 2009. Mouth cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheek lining, gums, palate and floor of the mouth.

In Northern Ireland, over 120 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year, with more than one third of those diagnosed with mouth cancer dying from the disease. Every year, mouth cancer kills more people than cervical or testicular cancer.

Unfortunately, 70 per cent of mouth cancers are detected at a late stage because people are not aware of the warning signs, with late presentation resulting in lower chances of survival. When detected early, mouth cancer patients can experience survival rates of around 90 per cent.

Trust officials say early detection could save lives and that dentists are trained to screen for signs of mouth cancer, with regular dental check-ups allowing dentists to look for any early warning signs of the disease. As well as attending their dentist, people are advised to look for mouth cancer symptoms. They include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or neck area.

The main risk factors of mouth cancer are tobacco use and drinking alcohol. Together, these account for around 75 per cent of mouth cancers and people who both drink and use tobacco are up to 30 times more likely to develop the disease. Poor diet has also been linked to mouth cancer.