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Open wide to check for symptoms on Mouth Cancer Awareness Day
16/11/2022
Almost half of mouth cancer and around three quarters of throat cancers are preventable if diagnosed early
Today is Mouth Cancer Awareness Day and we’re being asked to ‘Open Wide’ to check for signs of mouth cancer and to know the symptoms of throat cancer.
The call comes from the NHS Thames Valley Cancer Alliance (TVCA), which brings together cancer specialists, experts, and charities to deliver the NHS Long Term Plan to improve cancer services in our area.
Almost half of mouth cancer and around three quarters of throat cancers are preventable if diagnosed early. Signs of mouth cancer include ulcers which don’t heal, red and white patches in the mouth, and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or throat.
Seeing your dentist or GP about symptoms that last longer than three weeks is vital.
Three symptoms of throat cancer that need attention are a hoarse voice, an unexplained lump in the neck, or the feeling of a lump in the throat, and pain when swallowing.
Jennifer Graystone is the TVCA Clinical Director and also a Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, and Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. She said: “Mouth cancer develops most commonly on the tongue, but also on the lips, gums, and cheeks. It’s usually seen in people aged 55+ – and in twice as many men as women.
“But there is also an increase in the number of younger people developing mouth and throat cancers caused by HPV. This virus is transmitted through oral sex and has links to mouth and throat cancers, as well as cervical cancer. Children in school Year 8 are now vaccinated against HPV – and it is free on the NHS to people up to age 25. Get your vaccination if you are eligible.”
Priyamal Silva, TVCA Head & Neck Cancer Lead, and Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Smoking and chewing tobacco and drinking excessive alcohol cause both mouth and throat cancers, as well as eating few or no fruit and vegetables. Quitting tobacco and betel nuts, reducing alcohol intake, and increasing fruit and vegetables in our diets can help prevent mouth and throat cancers.
“If you’ve had a sore throat, or a croaky voice for a few weeks, get it checked. If concerned, the GP will refer you for extra tests.
“Reassuringly, currently only 3–4% of people on the referral two week wait will be diagnosed with throat cancer. However, we want to reduce the 12,422 new cases diagnosed each year and the approximate 4,100 deaths per year from head and neck cancers.
“The key message is ‘don’t ignore symptoms, get them checked out, as early diagnosis improves outcomes’.”
More information is available here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam