Mouth Cancer – The Facts

• There are nearly 3,800 new cases every year.

• There are around 1700 deaths yearly (this is more than die annually of cervical cancer or skin melanoma).

• Increasing incidence in young people.

• Early detection and treatment is important to ensure a successful outcome.

• Dentists are trained to spot early signs of the disease at routine dental check-ups.

Your Questions Answered

What is Oral Cancer?

• A malignant tumour in the mouth. The commonest sites are the sides and under surface of the tongue, inside the cheeks, around the soft palate and tonsils, and the lower lip.

What are the signs?

• Mouth ulcers that will not heal after several weeks, Red, white or missed patches in the mouth; these are often painless but should not be ignored.

Who is at risk?

• Twice as likely in men as women.

• Most frequent in those over 40

• Smokers

• Heavy drinkers.

• People, who have had mouth, lung or throat cancer in the past, have a weakened immune system.

What can I do?

• Have regular dental check-ups. At Ashwater Dental Practice we usually like to see you every 6 months. Remember, your dentist can see parts of your mouth that you cannot see; so all your mouth is thoroughly examined as well as your teeth.  See our "Tell Me About" section on Mouth Cancer Screening for more information.

• Excessive exposure to the sun can cause cancer of the lip. Remember to use a sun block.

• A healthy diet, rich in fruit and vegetables and low in animal fats, helps to prevent all types of cancer.