Mouth cancer risk

The Mouth Cancer Action month logo

Poor lifestyle choices mean many are putting themselves at risk of one of the UK’s fastest growing cancers.

More than 6,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK every year, and a new survey by healthcare provider Simplyhealth and the British Dental Health
Foundation reveals an alarming number of Brits are exposing themselves to the key risk factors of the disease.

The survey, which questioned over 2,000 adults, found just under one in three (68.2 per cent) people smoke, with the average smoker consuming between five and 15 cigarettes a day.

Around one in six women (16.8 per cent) and one in five men (19.1 per cent) admitted to exceeding their recommended weekly units of alcohol while one in four (26 per cent) do not consider themselves to have a good diet.

Smoking and drinking alcohol to excess make up three-quarters of all mouth cancers cases and Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says the findings further emphasise the need to highlight the causes and dangers of the disease.

Dr Carter says: “Although there are times where we cannot explain why one person develops mouth cancer and another does not, there are several contributing factors that can significantly raise the risk of developing the disease.

“Tobacco use, drinking alcohol to excess, poor diet and the human papilloma virus (HPV) are all heavily associated with mouth cancer. At current rates, the number of mouth cancer cases will double by 2030 so there is an urgent need for everybody to think twice and consider adopting a healthier lifestyle.

“With Mouth Cancer Action Month taking place this month, now is the perfect time for people to rethink their lifestyle choices, and make sure they are doing what they can to protect their health.”

The survey also discovered that one in three (33 per cent) are unsure if they are at risk of mouth cancer while almost one in ten (9 per cent) believe they are.

“If people are unsure or believe they are at risk of mouth cancer, I would advise they get checked out immediately,” adds Dr Carter.

“By attending regular check-ups, the dentist will be able to screen them for mouth cancer and talk through the risks associated with the disease while being able to offer support and advice. The dentist will also be able to talk through the symptoms and early warnings signs of the disease.”

Early warning signs include ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, white and red patches in the mouth and lumps or swellings in the mouth. The Foundation’s message is clear; if in doubt, get checked out.