Last Updated on 12th November 2018
According to new instructions issued by the Government, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, says Evesham Dental Health Team’s principal dentist, Richard Colebourne. Unit guidelines are now the same for men and women and both are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units per week.
This means that we shouldn’t drink more than:
- six 175ml glasses of 13% wine a week
- six pints of 4% lager or ale a week
- five pints of 4.5% cider a week
- fourteen 24ml shots of 40% spirits a week
Drinking alcohol to excess is linked to a third of mouth cancer cases. So, as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, we are urging our patients from across Evesham, Pershore, Worcester and Stratford that if they do drink, please drink responsibly, in moderation and stick to these unit guidelines.
Dr Colebourne said: “The key is the excess part – an occasional glass of wine here and there is considered much better than drinking the bottle in a single evening. Moderation really is important.
“The danger group are those who smoke and drink alcohol to excess. These people increase their risk of mouth cancer by up to 30 times. For those who do smoke and drink, please be aware of this risk. It is especially important that this group visits us regularly so we can check everthing is remaining healthy.”
Free mouth cancer screening in Evesham
Evesham Dental Health Team in Broadway Road offers free mouth cancer screening to members of the public all year round. You don’t have to be a patient or join our practice afterwards. Please spread the word or contact us to book.
Who does mouth cancer affect?
- Mouth cancer is twice as common in men than women
- 86% of cases are diagnosed in those over 50
- Mouth cancer rates per population are significantly higher in Scotland compared with England, Northern Ireland and Wales
- Rates are much higher in white males, however those in Asian males are similar
Although mouth cancer can affect anybody, and is strongly associated with the age and gender of a person, more than 90% of mouth cancers in men and 85% in women are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors. This means that by amending our lifestyle choices, we can help cut the chances of developing mouth cancer.
If you have any concerns about mouth cancer, please get in touch.
