Check for signs of mouth cancer

The oral health team at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is urging residents to check for early signs of mouth cancer, as part of national Mouth Cancer Action Month this month.

Mouth cancer is diagnosed in 5,000 people in the UK each year and kills almost 2,000 people- that’s one death every five hours. Yet better awareness and early detection of mouth cancer saves lives, with chances of survival rising from 50% to more than 90% if it is caught early enough.

Dr Khalid Anis, Clinical Director at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, commented: “Oral cancer has increased by 17% over the past four years in the Rochdale borough. The main causes are smoking and chewing tobacco, as well as paan and guthka which are commonly used by Asian communities. It is very important that people attend appointments at their dentist every six months for a full check up and receive a professional screening for signs of mouth cancer, especially if you smoke or use a tobacco product.”

In between dental appointments, keep an eye on your oral health by going through a simple self-examination process. Look out for:

• Ulcers which do not heal within three weeks 
• Red and white patches in the mouth 
• Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth

Dr Anis added: “If your mouth is a concern make an appointment with your dentist or GP immediately and make sure they know your worries.”

The oral health team will be holding mouth cancer awareness events on the following dates:

• Wheatsheaf Centre, Rochdale, Wednesday 18 November 
• Rochdale Infirmary main entrance, 9am to 3:30pm, 20 November 
• The Phoenix Centre, Heywood, 9am to 4pm, Friday 27 November