More than 6000 people will be diagnosed with Mouth Cancer in the UK this year alone. Without early detection half will die.  Sadly, very few people are aware of this cancer which kills more people than cervical cancer and testicular cancer combined. Even more importantly four in five of us don’t know symptoms of the disease.

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month and Sedgefield Dental Practice wish to let people know what the risks are and to help persuade everyone who has any doubts to get themselves checked out by a dentist.

Whilst people who both drink and use tobacco to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop the condition, even if you are a non smoker you can still get the disease. If tobacco and alcohol are consumed together the risk is even greater.

Many recent reports have linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body. HPV can spread through oral sex, and research now suggests that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer.

The lifetime risk of developing oral cancer in the UK is estimated to be 1 in 93 for men and 1 in 186 for women.

So what should you be looking out for?

Mouth cancer can appear in different forms and can affect all parts of the mouth, tongue and lips. It can appear as a painless mouth ulcer that does not heal normally. A white or red patch can also develop into a cancer. It is important to visit your dentist if these areas do not heal within three weeks.

Mouth cancer can be detected in its early stages by your dentist. Remember your dentist can see parts of your mouth that you would ordinarily not be able to see.

If it is spotted early the chances of a complete cure are good, and the smaller area or ulcer the better the chance of cure. However too many people come forward too late because they do not visit their dentist for a regular examination.

So if you haven’t seen your dentist and are worried about Mouth Cancer remember ‘If in Doubt, Get Checked Out’ the motto of the British Dental Health Foundation annual campaign.

Call Sedgefield Dental Practice on 01740 621040 to arrange a dental health examination to be sure you have a healthy mouth, teeth and gums.

For more details about Mouth Cancer please look at www.mouthcancer.org