November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mouth cancer, promoting early detection, and encouraging people to take proactive steps toward prevention and treatment. Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a serious condition that affects thousands of people worldwide. Early diagnosis can save lives, yet the awareness and conversation around mouth cancer are still far from where they need to be. Let’s dive into why this month matters, what to look for, and how you can take action to protect yourself and others.
Why Mouth Cancer Awareness Matters
Mouth cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and even the roof or floor of the mouth. According to the Oral Health Foundation, mouth cancer cases have risen by over 50% in the past decade alone, with nearly 8,000 new cases annually in the UK. These numbers highlight the need for increased awareness and early intervention.
Risk Factors of Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer can affect anyone, but certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk, including:
– Tobacco Use: Both smoking and smokeless tobacco are leading causes of oral cancers.
– Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use, particularly in combination with smoking, compounds the risk.
– HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Certain strains of HPV, commonly spread through oral contact, are associated with a higher risk of mouth cancer.
– Poor Diet: Diets low in fruits and vegetables may increase the likelihood of developing mouth cancer.
– Excessive Sun Exposure: For cancers of the lips, prolonged sun exposure is a risk factor.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
One of the biggest challenges with mouth cancer is that symptoms can often be mistaken for less serious conditions. Here are some signs to keep in mind:
– Persistent sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks
– Red or white patches on the inside of the mouth or tongue
– Swelling, lumps, or thick
If you havn’t seen a dentist for a while then contact us to book in your next dental examination and Oral Cancer screening.
01446 71163
Visit https://www.dentalhealth.org/mouthcancer for more information.
