Trust supports Mouth Cancer campaign

Emma Riley, Macmillan Oral Health Practitioner at The Pennine Acute Trust

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is supporting this month’s national Mouth Cancer Action Month (MCAM) by holding a series of public drop-in screening clinics across its hospitals.

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

The annual campaign’s 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.

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 for dental problems.

The drop-in clinics, which are open to the public, will take place on the following dates: 

• Wednesday 16 November - Maxillofacial Department at Rochdale Infirmary (12.30pm to 1.30pm)
• Thursday 17 November - Maxillofacial Department at Fairfield General Hospital (12.00 noon to 1.00pm)
• Friday 18 November - Maxillofacial Department at The Royal Oldham Hospital (1.30pm to 2.30pm)
• Friday 18 November - Maxillofacial Department at North Manchester General Hospital (1.00pm to 2.00pm) 

More than 6,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the UK each year. Around 1,800 die from the disease annually and the number of mouth cancer cases has increased by a staggering 45.9% between 1997 and 2008.

According to the Foundation, there are now more deaths from mouth cancer than cervical cancer and testicular cancer combined. 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.

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), possibly transmitted via oral sex, is increasingly being linked to mouth cancer. Experts even suggest that it may rival tobacco and alcohol as a key risk factor within 10 years. Some research indicates that people with mouth cancer caused by HPV may have a greater chance of survival.

The Head and Neck Oncology team at The Pennine Acute Trust Hospitals believe that Mouth cancer can be a devastating disease, but its effects can be greatly reduced by early detection.

Emma Riley, Macmillan Oral Health Practitioner at The Pennine Acute Trust, said: “Anyone experiencing an ulcer, lump, white patch or sore area in the mouth or throat that lasts more than three weeks needs to see their dentist or doctor for professional advice. Mouth cancer is caused by smoking and drinking alcohol in many people. We hope that smokers particularly will allow themselves the opportunity to take advantage of all the support and advice available to help give up smoking during this month.”