Cancer Awareness 2015

1st November 2015 | by Michael Blackie

The number of mouth cancers diagnosed has increased in the last decade

Mouth Cancer Action Month

1ST NOVEMBER 2015 TO 30TH NOVEMBER 2015

Mouth Cancer Action Month is held in November every year and is supported by the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the British Dental Health Foundation.

In the UK there were 7,700 cases of mouth, throat and head & neck cancers in 2011.

The number of mouth cancers diagnosed has increased by a third in the last decade alone, making it one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers.

The good news is that EARLY DETECTION of mouth cancer can give you a near 90 per cent chance of survival. However if you leave it too long or don't check your mouth regularly your chances of survival plummet to 50 per cent. Keeping regular dental appointments and self checking your mouth really could save your life!
Tobacco use is still considered the main cause of mouth cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, up to half of current smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness – including mouth cancer
Drinking to excess can increase the risk of mouth cancer by four times. Those who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer
Mouth cancer is twice more common in men than in women, though an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease
Age is another factor, with people over the age of 40 more likely to be diagnosed, though more young people are now being affected than previously.
Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases.
Experts suggest the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), transmitted through oral sex, could overtake tobacco and alcohol as the main risk factor within the coming decade.
Cancers can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, and adjacent areas like the throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites in the head and neck area

If you ever have any concerns please contact your dentist or doctor for best advice..