Last Updated on 12th November 2018
In the UK, more than 6,700 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year. The disease has grown by a third in the last decade – and remains one of very few cancers that are predicted to increase further in the coming years.
Although there are risk factors heavily linked to mouth cancer, it can affect anybody – that’s why it’s so important that we all know what to look out for.
Free mouth cancer screening in Evesham
The Evesham dentists at Evesham Dental Health Team on Broadway Road offer free mouth cancer examinations for guest patients all year round to help our Worcestershire community – so book your appointment now.
We routinely screen our existing patients, who visit us from Evesham, Broadway, Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, Pershore, Worcester, Stratford, Winchcombe, Bidford and Alcester because early diagnosis saves lives, improving survival chances from half of cases to more than 90%.
Take action
Remember to never ignore:
- Ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
- Red and white patches in the mouth
- Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth
- And more – visit our dedicated page for the full list
If in doubt, pleased get checked out – call Evesham Dental Health Team on 01386 422 833 to book.
Shocking statistics
Mouth cancer kills more than 2,000 people each year in the UK, which is more than testicular and cervical cancer combined. Mouth cancer also takes more lives a year than road traffic accidents. By knowing more about the risk factors, living healthier lifestyles and by learning what to look out for we can help reduce our risk and lower the number of lives that mouth cancer affects.
Know the risk factors
- Smoking – One in five people in the UK smoke and the habit is still considered the leading cause of mouth cancer.
- Alcohol – Drinking to excess can increase mouth cancer risks by four times. As alcohol aids the absorption of tobacco into the mouth, those who smoke and drink to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop the disease.
- HPV virus – The human papillomavirus, transmitted mostly via oral sex, is increasingly being linked to mouth cancer. Younger people are particularly at risk.
- Poor diet – Around half of cases are thought to be linked to an unhealthy diet.
- Chewing or smokeless tobacco – Although some people believe this type of tobacco is safer than smoking, the reality is that it is much more dangerous.
Three-quarters of cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol so it is important that smokers are encouraged to quit and alcohol is drunk in moderation. Prevention is key and lifestyle choices can help minimise risks.
If you smoke or drink regularly, please make sure you visit us as often as your Evesham dentist advises so that we can keep a look out for anything that might be suspicious.
For more information, please visit www.mouthcancer.org or www.mouthcancerfoundation.org
