mouth-cancer-action-month

Every November, Mouth Cancer Action Month shines a spotlight on a disease where early detection can make a life-saving difference. The campaign encourages everyone to be mouth aware, recognise possible warning signs, and seek help promptly if something does not feel right.

In the UK, around 10,300 people are diagnosed withmouth cancer each year. With cases expected to continue rising, awareness has never been more important. Mouth canceralready claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined but spotting it early can dramatically improve the chances of successful treatment.

While some factors can increase your risk, mouth cancercan affect anyone. That is why knowing what to look for — and acting quickly — matters.

Symptoms you shouldget checked.Ulcers

  • Ulcers that do not heal

An ulcer or broken area of skin that does not heal within three weeks is one of the most common signs of mouth cancer. It may not be painful, so it is important not to ignore it.

  • White or red patches in your mouth or throat

An unusual white or red patch in the mouth or throat can be a sign of cancer or of pre-cancerous changes in the cells. These patches are not always cancerous, but if they are left untreated, they may develop into cancer over time.

White or red patches can also be caused by other conditions, such as fungal infections like thrush. Thrush patches often rub away, leaving a sore red area underneath. If your dentistsuspects this, they may prescribe an anti-fungal treatment. If the patches clear, they are not related to cancer.

  • Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head, or neckswellings

A lump in the neck may be caused by an enlarged lymph node and can happen for many reasons. For example, a hot, red, painful lump is often linked to infection, while lumps that come and go are less likely to be cancerous. Cancerous lumps often start small and grow over time, so any persistent swelling should be checked.

Many of these symptoms can be related to other less serious conditions but it is important that if you experience any of the above that you get it checked out by your dentist or doctor.  Survival rates over 5 years for mouth cancer when caught early are very good reaching as high as 90% however this is drastically reduced to just 50% when the diagnosis is made late.Mouth Cancer Action Month

So, if in doubt get it checked out!

If you are worried or would like further information on mouth cancer and the risks, please visit the Mouth Cancer Action Month website or call College Dental Surgeries today on 01622 752340 to book a consultation where our team will be happy to help.