Mouth Cancer Action Month is a UK charity campaign helping to raise awareness around the topic of mouth cancer. Every year in November, thousands of people and groups go out into their communities to speak out about mouth cancer and to share the message about the importance of prevention and early detection.
Mouth cancer (also known as oral cancer) can affect all parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and neck/throat area. Although not as commonly talked about as other types of cancer, its impact can be severe if not detected and treated early.
Mouth Cancer: early signs and Symptoms
One of the trickiest challenges with mouth cancer is often that the early symptoms are quite subtle. Often, individuals may not even notice any discomfort or abnormalities until the cancer is fairly advanced. So it is very important to stay vigilant about any changes in the mouth or throat/neck region. Symptoms may include persistent mouth sores/ulcers (longer than 3 weeks), red or white patches, difficulty swallowing or chewing, a persistent sore throat, or a lump in the mouth or neck.
Regular dental check-ups are instrumental in the early detection of mouth cancer. Our dental professionals are specifically trained to recognise the signs and symptoms, conducting thorough examinations of the mouth, throat, and neck. Additionally, self-checks at home are very important too, so please go ahead and watch the video below. Notice any changes in the mouth, and if you have any concerns at all, get in touch with your dentist straight away.
Mouth Cancer: risk factors and lifestyle influences
Many lifestyle factors can increase the chances of developing mouth cancer. Smoking significantly heightens the likelihood of developing oral cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure on the lips, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and the human papilloma virus (HPV) infection are also associated with increased mouth cancer risk.
But there is much you can do to improve your chances of avoiding such an outcome. Adopting a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of developing mouth cancer. Seek help to quit smoking, moderate your alcohol consumption, remember to wear sunscreen on your lips, and embrace a diet rich in fruits and vegetables – all of these positive actions can contribute to your optimal oral health and greatly decrease the risk factors associated with mouth cancer.
Final thoughts on mouth cancer awareness
In summary, if you are proactive about your oral health and able to spot the first signs of mouth cancer, early diagnosis and successful treatment are more likely. By keeping yourself informed, maintaining great oral hygiene, and getting regular dental care, you will be well-placed to prevent mouth cancer, or at least detect it in the early stages.
And always remember that your dentist is here to give you the best guidance in all matters relating to oral health, so please feel free to ask for our support if you have any current concerns.
Are you worried about possible signs of mouth cancer? If so, simply reach out to us today by calling 01923 710600 or simply book a dental check-up.
