November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, a vital campaign that raises awareness of mouth cancer and promotes the importance of early detection.
Every year, around 10,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with mouth cancer — a number that continues to rise.
The Health Improvement Oral Health Team within NHS Lanarkshire is supporting the campaign by encouraging everyone to be ‘mouth aware’ and to carry out regular self-checks for any unusual changes in their mouth, lips, cheeks, head, or neck.
Susan Lyttle, NHS Lanarkshire Senior Health Promotion Officer – Oral Health, said: “By spotting mouth cancer early, we have a much better chance of beating it. During Mouth Cancer Action Month, we are promoting the message ‘if in doubt, get checked out’. We want everyone to be mouth aware and to pay close attention to what is going on inside.
“The Oral Health Foundation states that the disease now claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined. That’s why recognising the early warning signs and taking prompt action is so important.”
Geraldeen Irving, NHS Lanarkshire Director of the Public Dental Service, added: “Mouth cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK and it does not discriminate- it can affect anyone. Risk factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, and HPV increase the chances, but the most important thing is catching it early. Many people don’t realise how simple it can be to spot the early warning signs and, crucially, that early detection can make a huge difference – it can turn survival rates from 50% to 90%.
“When you brush your teeth twice a day, take a moment to check your mouth for anything unusual: ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks, unexplained lumps in the mouth or lips, or red and white patches. Persistent pain, a sore throat, neck lumps or difficulty swallowing should also never be ignored.
“November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month is all about raising awareness and encouraging everyone to take just a few seconds each day to check their mouth. If you spot something, see your dentist or GP straight away. ”
Know the Signs:
- Mouth ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks
- Unexplained lumps, swellings, or thickened tissue in the mouth or neck
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or changes in speech
Resources:
- Video demonstrating a mouth self-check
- Local Lanarkshire dentist practices accepting new NHS patients
- Mouth Cancer Action Month resources
- Mouth Cancer Action Month – how to spot mouth cancer
