November is Mouth Cancer Action Month

Public Health Wales is urging people to regularly check their mouths and to get regular dental check-ups to help spot the early signs of mouth cancer.

mouth cancer poster 2014The Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign, which runs during November, is being delivered in collaboration with the British Dental Health Foundation.

Every year, 6500 people in the UK are diagnosed with mouth cancer. Without early detection, half will die, meaning that more people die from mouth cancer than testicular and cervical cancer combined.

The Dental Public Health Team is working with Local Health Boards and dental services on a range of initiatives to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

Bilingual campaign posters are being distributed to doctor’s surgeries, dental practices and public buildings across Wales, whilst local events are taking place, including workplace information stands and educational evening lectures for health professionals.

The campaign urges people to regularly check their mouths (including lips, tongue and inside of cheeks) for ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches, and unusual lumps or swellings.

Mary Wilson, Specialty Trainee in Dental Public Health, said: “Self-examination is simple and potentially life-saving, as early detection of abnormalities has a great effect on survival. If you notice anything unusual, you should get it checked out by a dentist.

Mary Wilson: “Self-examination is simple and potentially life-saving, as early detection of abnormalities has a great effect on survival. If you notice anything unusual, you should get it checked out by a dentist.”

“Regular visits to a dentist are recommended to ensure you are checked for signs of mouth cancer and to discuss how you can reduce your risk.”

Risk factors for mouth cancer are smoking and chewing tobacco, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and HPV infection.

More information about the campaign is available at http://www.mouthcancer.org/link to an external website – opens in new window.

Information about mouth cancer is also available on the Public Health Wales oral cancer web pages.

For information about how to find a dentist, go to your Local Health Board’s website, or www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/link to an external website – opens in new window

For help to quit smoking, phone Stop Smoking Wales free on 0800 085 2219 or visit http://www.stopsmokingwales.co.uk/link to an external website – opens in new window.