Lack of knowledge could increase risk of mouth cancer

The Mouth Cancer Action month logo

A new survey by the British Dental Health Foundation and Denplan shows that if more people knew how their lifestyle habits can put them at risk of mouth cancer, they would change them.

Mouth cancer kills over 1,800 people in the UK every year, more than cervical and testicular cancer combined.

Around two thirds of those surveyed would change their diet, review their alcohol intake or stop smoking if they knew these habits increased their risk of mouth cancer. In fact more a third of respondents said they would be likely to change their habits if they had a better understanding of the disease.

This further proves the need to raise awareness and educate the general public about mouth cancer, especially as 9 out of 10 people surveyed don’t consider themselves at risk.

Dr Roger Matthews, Denplan’s Chief Dental Officer, said: “The statistics reinforce how high the lack of awareness around mouth cancer is. Dentists don’t just look after your oral health, they can also advise you on which lifestyle habits that could have a further impact on your health overall. Seeking help from your dentist if you have signs of the disease and going to regular dental consultations could prove lifesaving. During November, many of our Denplan dentists also offer free mouth cancer screenings.”

Only a third of people asked would consult their dentist if they had signs of mouth cancer, but regular check-ups can be vital in spotting early life-saving signs of this disease.

Prevention is better than care and Denplan, the UK’s leading dental payment plan provider, is built on a basis of preventive care. The same ethos applies to mouth cancer; if it is caught during the early stages survival rates can reach as high as 90 per cent. Without early detection, it tumbles to 50 per cent.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, added: “From the results of our survey we know that Mouth Cancer Action Month is a chance for everyone to find out more about mouth cancer. Our advice to everyone would be if in doubt, get checked out.”

Mouth Cancer Action Month, organised by the British Dental Health Foundation and supported by Denplan and Simplyhealth, is taking place throughout November and aims to raise awareness of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of the disease.