Proud to Support Mouth Cancer Action Month

At Norfolk Dental Specialists, we believe in doing everything we can to promote and support good oral health. That’s why we’re proud to support Mouth Cancer Action Month, a charity campaign run by the Oral Health Foundation. Throughout November, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of oral cancer – and save lives in the process.

How Did We Support Mouth Cancer Action Month?

This year, Wednesday 16th November was Blue Wednesday, the official awareness day for Mouth Cancer Action Month 2016. Up and down the country, dentists, doctors and members of the public showed their support by wearing blue, hosting fundraising events, and sharing Blue Lip Selfies to raise awareness. The NDS nurses showed their support by sporting some of the official Mouth Cancer Action Month blue plastic lips – a fun moment for a serious cause. We’ve also been sharing informative articles and infographics on social media, and encouraging our patients to talk to us if they have any concerns.

How Common is Mouth Cancer?

Every day, 21 people in the UK are diagnosed with mouth cancer. Mouth cancer cases have increased by 92% since the late 1970s, and it is one of the few forms of cancer that experts predict will become more common in the future. However, there is a lack of understanding around the disease; more than a third of people don’t realise that it is linked to smoking, and half would only seek medical advice for a mouth ulcer after more than a month. Mouth Cancer Action Month aims to raise awareness of early detection and healthy lifestyle choices.

What Causes Mouth Cancer?

Mouth cancer is more common in people with a family history of the disease or who have had cancer before, and in people over the age of 50. However, around 91% of mouth cancer cases are preventable. 

• Two-thirds of cases are linked to smoking;
  
• A third are linked to drinking alcohol to excess;
  
• Half are linked to poor diet.

There is plenty we can do to reduce our chances of developing mouth cancer, simply by leading an active, healthy lifestyle. By stopping smoking, you reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer by a third. 

HPV, a common STI, is expected to overtake tobacco use as the leading cause of mouth cancer within the next decade. Currently, girls are vaccinated against HPV due to its association with cervical cancer, but there is a campaign to make the vaccination gender neutral. Find out more at www.hpvaction.org. 

How Do You Spot Mouth Cancer?

As with all forms of cancer, spotting mouth cancer early can greatly improve your chances of recovering. With early detection, survival rates are as good as 90%. Mouth Cancer Action Month promotes the message “If in doubt, get checked out”, encouraging everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms not to ignore. These include:

• Ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks
  
• Red and white patches in the mouth
  
• Lumps or swelling in the mouth, head or neck

At NDS, we carry out an oral cancer screening as part of your initial assessment, before we begin treatment – but if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s very important to tell your dentist or doctor right away.

To find out more about Mouth Cancer Action Month, visit www.mouthcancer.org.