Be mouth aware

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The Oral Health Foundation is urging people to check their mouths for early signs of cancer and see a dentist or doctor if they notice anything unusual, as Mouth Cancer Action Month begins.

More than 11,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK each year. In England, new cases have increased by 119% over the past 20 years.
Yet awareness has failed to keep pace. In the charity’s survey, half of adults could not name a symptom, while 71% had never checked their mouth for suspicious changes.

Worryingly, among those who reported a possible warning sign, only 31% sought advice from a healthcare professional.

Throughout November, the Oral Health Foundation’s campaign message is “Change is Your Sign: Remove the doubt, get checked out.”

The charity wants everyone to know the warning signs, become familiar with their mouth and act when something looks or feels different.
Cathie Brady, GDC-registered dentist and President-Elect of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “It’s easy to explain away an ulcer, patch or a lump, especially if it doesn’t hurt. But a change that persists for over three weeks needs checking by a healthcare professional.

“Most changes won’t be cancer, but you need a professional diagnosis to know for sure. If something is unusual for you, contact a dentist or doctor. You are not wasting anyone’s time.”

The ulcer that did not heal

For Karen Liesching-Schroder, the first sign was an ulcer on her tongue. It failed to heal and eventually became a hole.
“I had an ulcer on my tongue, but it didn’t heal and it turned into a hole in my tongue,” Karen says. “But I still didn’t realise that that was tongue cancer at the time.”

Karen had never smoked and drank little alcohol. She was a runner and considered herself healthy, making the diagnosis particularly difficult to take in.
“I was really frightened,” she says. “All I could think about was our family, our children, what was going to happen.”

Her experience shows why nobody should dismiss a persistent change because they feel healthy or believe mouth cancer could not happen to them.

A lump that kept growing

Rachel Parsons was 37, with five young children, when she was diagnosed. She had noticed a small lump inside her right cheek that she initially thought was an ulcer. When the lump continued to grow, Rachel raised it again at a dental appointment. “I know there’s something in my mouth,” she recalls saying. “I’d like to be referred. “You hear that word cancer, you don’t hear anything else, you just hear a noise. My only thought was for my children because I didn’t want to die.”
Her experience underlines the charity’s advice to seek help again if a change persists or continues to cause concern.

Know the three key warning signs

The Oral Health Foundation is asking people to look out for an ulcer that has not healed within three weeks, a red or white patch inside the mouth, or an unusual lump or swelling in the mouth, lip or neck.

Persistent difficulty swallowing, speaking or a hoarse voice should also be assessed.

Use a mirror in good light to look at your lips, tongue, gums, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth. Checking regularly helps you notice what is normal for you. A self-check does not replace a professional examination.

Do not wait three weeks to seek advice about a lump, patch or another worrying change. The three-week message applies specifically to an ulcer that has not healed.

Remove the doubt, get checked out

Cathie says: “We want people to feel confident about asking for help. Dental practices should take concerns about changes in the mouth seriously and arrange prompt assessment, so patients can be reassured or referred for investigation where needed.

“When you contact a practice, explain what has changed and how long it has been there. If you cannot get a dental appointment, contact your GP. If the problem continues or gets worse after you have sought advice, go back.”

Mouth cancer can affect anyone. Stopping tobacco use, drinking less alcohol and receiving HPV vaccination when eligible can help reduce the risk, but knowing the signs matters whatever your lifestyle.

“This November, take a moment to check your mouth and encourage someone close to you to do the same,” Cathie adds. “Change is Your Sign. Remove the doubt, get checked out.”

To learn the warning signs and how to check your mouth, visit the Oral Health Foundation.