Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is held in November every year and is supported by the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the Oral Health Foundation.
Every year 5000 new cases of Oral Cancer is diagnosed in the UK, resulting in 1800 deaths.
Oral cancer in the UK has been increasing since the mid 1970 it has increased by over 34 per cent in the last decade. This cancer is increasing in particular among young males. Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip, tongue and rest of the mouth. The problem is not simply that the number of new oral cancer cases is rising, as people continue to put themselves at risk through smoking and excessive drinking, but also that these cancers are being detected at an advanced stage.
Key points to prevent Oral Cancer;
Quit smoking including chewing tobacco.
Keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. (five to six portions per day)
Visit us regularly for your oral health examination as we screen you for any signs of oral cancer.
If you notice an ulcer that has been present for longer than 2 weeks please contact us for advice on 01912 368 191.