Mouth Cancer Action Month 1st November – 30th November 2014
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, this is a national campaign to increase awareness of Mouth Cancers.
Mouth Cancer claims 1800 lives a year, anyone can be affected by this, it predominantly affects men over 40 but recent statistics show that more and more young people and women are being diagnosed. There were 6767 people diagnosed with mouth cancer last year.
Research shows that the earlier Mouth Cancer is detected the survival rate increases.
What are the Risk Factors?
Most cases are linked to smoking, in the UK, Cigarettes, Pipe Smoking and Cigars are the main source of tobacco but all tobacco products are considerable risk factors.
Alcohol is also a high risk factor but the highest risk comes from Tobacco and Alcohol products together.
An emerging risk factor is HPV – this is the Human Papilloma Virus, this is the same virus that causes cervical cancer and is transmitted via oral sexual contact.
What Can You Do?
1. Be self aware
Most people know now to check other parts of the body for any lumps and changes, you need to include checking your mouth for any changes of differences.
3 WEEK RULE – ANY ULCERS, RED OR WHITE PATCHES, LUMPS THAT HAVE BEEN THERE FOR 3 WEEKS YOU NEED TO GET THESES CHECKED BY YOUR DENTIST
“IF IN DOUBT CHECK IT OUT”
2. Reduce your risk
Limit your alcohol and try to stop smoking – if you feel you need help with these speak to your Dentist/Doctor or visit the NHS websites, there is a lot of help out there.
3. Get Regular Check Ups.
Your dentist checks your tissues in your mouth at each visit and will refer you to an appropriate specialist for diagnosis if anything looks suspicious or out of the ordinary.
If detected and treated early the chances of a cure are good
So again:
IF IN DOUBT CHECK IT OUT
If you wish to know more about the risks of mouth cancer or you have any concerns, please visit your dentist
For more information please visit:
Written By Sharon Brown – Hygienist