Mouth Cancer prevention and spotting the symptoms

Advice and Information - 13 May 2021

Mouth cancer is otherwise known as oral cancer and is where a tumour forms in the mouth. Regular self-checks and awareness of symptoms are key to early detection and resolution. We explore what to look out for and how to keep your mouth healthy.

One in around fifty cancers diagnosed in the UK is mouth cancer. However, the two leading causes of Mouth Cancer are alcohol and tobacco. With more than 2 in 3 cases of mouth cancer, developing in adults over the age of 55 and men more prone to the disease than women. 

To promote awareness and help detect early symptoms, the Mouth Cancer Foundation has put together some materials and a guide to self-examination. 

We explore a few of the things to look out for and help with the prevention of the disease. 

Mouth Cancer Risk Factors  

  • Smoking and chewing tobacco 
  • Excessive alcohol consumption 
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) spread through oral sex 
  • An unhealthy diet lacking vitamins and minerals

The most common symptoms of mouth cancer

  • Sore mouth ulcers that do not heal within several weeks
  • Unexplained, persistent lumps in the mouth that do not go away
  • Unexplained, persistent lumps in the lymph glands in the neck that do not go away

Mouth Cancer handbook

Mouth Cancer handbook To help those who have received a diagnosis the Mouth Cancer Foundation has developed a handbook. Download it here.  

Download (PDF 31.05 MB)

The important point to note is with early diagnosis, nine out of ten sufferers will survive.

More information on Mouth Cancer is available here.

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