Local specialists give oral cancer warning during Mouth Cancer Awarenesss Week (14-20 November)
Don't be afraid to ask your dentist for a mouth cancer check - they are trained to perform them
Specialists at Poole Hospital are reporting an increase in cases of oral cancer in the local area and are urging people to look out for early warning signs such as persistent ulcers and white patches, and discuss them with their dentist or GP.
The Head & Neck Cancer Service at Poole Hospital saw an increase of 33% in newly diagnosed cases of oral cancer in 2009 compared to 2008.*
Mouth cancer kills one person every three hours in the UK because of late detection, but early diagnosis can improve survival chances by up to 90%. Symptoms to look out for include:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks
- A lump or overgrowth of tissue anywhere in the mouth
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Difficulty in chewing or moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
Anyone concerned about mouth cancer is advised to speak to either their GP or dentist. Dentists are trained in spotting the early signs of mouth cancer, and many will carry out checks as a routine part of their examination. Patients can also ask their dentist to carry out for an oral cancer check, and are encouraged to do so if they have any concerns about symptoms.
Poole resident Adrian Gingell did exactly that after visiting his GP about a persistent ulcer on his tongue: “My GP advised me to speak to my dentist and he immediately referred me to Poole Hospital, where an urgent biopsy revealed that the ulcer was cancerous.”
Adrian subsequently underwent surgery, and is now well on the way to recovery: “My recovery has gone from strength to strength, but the early diagnosis was vital to that. Detecting cancer early is critical to stop it progressing and reduce the surgery required, so don’t be afraid to request a mouth cancer check from your dentist – it could be the most important question you ever ask.”
People with dentures should also remember to keep visiting their dentist regularly to keep check on their oral health.
Poole dentist Alistair Danby said: “An oral cancer check is easy, painless and only takes acouple ofminutes.You can talk to your dentist about the process and oral cancer risk factors.”
Dr Emma King, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon at Poole Hospital said: “We have a highly skilled team of specialists at Poole who can treat oral cancer, including surgeons, dentist, specialist nurses and therapists, but early diagnosis is central to successful treatment.
“A healthy lifestyle can help to reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer. About three-quarters of mouth cancer cases are linked to smoking and drinking alcohol, and another 10-15% are related to a diet deficient in fruit and vegetables. We also know that sun exposure will significantly increase the risk of lip cancer. Finally, it is likely that a virus (human papillomavirus) is important in disease development, and local research teams are investigating this further.
“The most important thing to remember is that the sooner a cancer is identified and treated, the better the cure rate.”
As part of Mouth Cancer Awareness Week, Poole Hospital’s team of Head and Neck Cancer Specialists are visiting schools and local businesses to raise awareness of risk factors and early warning signs.
For more information on Mouth Cancer Awareness Week, visit www.rdoc.org.uk
* 56 new cases of oral cavity and oropharynx cancer in 2009 compared to 42 in 2008
Date: 15 November 2010