First State of Mouth Cancer Report highlights lack of awareness about disease

The UK’s first State of Mouth Cancer Report highlights that 8,302 people are now diagnosed with mouth cancer each year, a 49% increase in 10 years and a 135% increase in 20 years, with 2,722 mouth cancer deaths in Britain in 2017. It also found that 75% of us are unaware that the early warning signs and symptoms associated with the disease are mouth ulcers that last longer than three weeks, red or white patches and unusual lumps and swellings. The findings also show a severe lack of awareness regarding the risk factors linked with mouth cancer, including smoking, drinking to excess, and the human papillomavirus HPV. According to the report, 45% of British adults do not have any understanding about mouth cancer and 82% do not know where mouth cancer appears. There is certainly very little comprehension that the ten-year survival rate is between 19% and 58%, depending on where the cancer strikes and how early it is diagnosed.
Head of Professional Support Services at Simplyhealth Professionals, Dr Catherine Rutland, said: “We must use this report, along with campaigns like Mouth Cancer Action Month, as a springboard to help increase awareness of mouth cancer. It is important to know how and where mouth cancer can appear and to be alert to any changes in and around the mouth. Regular dental visits remain crucial to spotting mouth cancer early, as your dentist will examine you for mouth cancer during every routine appointment. However, being vigilant in between appointments and checking your own mouth will also help to find any early signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the signs, make an appointment with your dentist who will be able to examine you further. Mouth cancer is beatable, but we have to act quickly. An early diagnosis is vital and can not only save a life but can also improve quality of life.”