Trust supports Mouth Cancer Campaign

The Mouth Cancer Action month logo

The Pennine Acute Trust is supporting this year’s national Mouth Cancer Action Month (MCAM) by holding a series of drop-in screening clinics for the public.

The UK’s largest-ever mouth cancer campaign is being led nationally by The British Dental Health Foundation and runs throughout November.

The aim is to raise awareness of the disease and advise the public to self-examine for signs of mouth cancer and visit their dentist for routine oral screenings.

The Trust, which carries out oral maxillofacial surgery and treatment for patients diagnosed with oral cancer, is holding a number of awareness events and drop-in screening clinics at its hospitals as part of the campaign.

The drop-in clinics will take place on the following dates:

• Monday 15 November - Maxillofacial Department at North Manchester General Hospital (10.00-12.00am) 
• Monday 15 November - Maxillofacial Department at Rochdale Infirmary (12.00pm – 1.30pm) 
• Tuesday 16 November - Maxillofacial Department at The Royal Oldham Hospital (5.30pm-6.30pm)

More than 5,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the UK each year. Around 1,800 die from the disease annually - a 13% increase in the past decade – sadly meaning, on average, one mouth cancer death every 5 hours.

According to the Foundation, there are now more deaths from mouth cancer than cervical cancer or testicular cancer. Early detection and diagnosis, however, improve survival chances from just 50% to more than 90%.

Tobacco and alcohol are thought to contribute to 75 per cent of mouth cancer cases. Smoking is the number one cause for mouth cancer and people who smoke and drink alcohol to excess are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer. Poor diet is also linked to mouth cancer. Evidence shows an increase in fruit and vegetables lowers the risk, as can fish and eggs.

Mr Bob Woodwards, a consultant and clinical director of oral and maxillofacial surgery at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said:"Mouth cancer is a devastating disease, and its effects can be greatly reduced by early detection. Anyone experiencing an ulcer or sore area in the mouth or throat that lasts more than 3 weeks needs to see their dentist or doctor for professional advice. Mouth cancer is caused by smoking and drinking in many people and we hope that smokers particularly will avail themselves of all the opportunities for support to help give up smoking during this month."

Emma Riley, oral health practitioner at the Trust believes the campaign, starting on Monday 1 November, can save lives.

She added: “Sadly, we’re seeing a rise in the number of cases of mouth cancer and, unfortunately, it’s the same message; we’re smoking and drinking too much and don’t have the diet we should. This combination is increasing people’s risk of mouth cancer. The figures and evidence is plain to see. We are encouraging everyone to take action by routinely visiting their dentist, being vigilant of this disease and its symptoms, and taking positive steps to help reduce the risk.”

A number of specially arranged drop-in clinics have been organised during the month for people who may have mouth cancer symptoms, such as a non-healing ulcer, a lump that is increasing in size, red or white patches, or any concerns regarding worries relating to mouth cancer. These are not general dental clinics.