Early referral and diagnosis vital to stop needless deaths from mouth cancer
01 November 2017 (Last updated: 1 Nov 2017 10:17)
Oral cancer kills nearly 2,000 people in the UK every year, but many deaths could be prevented with early referral and diagnosis, the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BAOMS) said today as the Oral Health Foundation (OHF) launches its month-long mouth cancer awareness campaign throughout November.
Chi-Hwa Chan, BAOMS Oncology sub specialty interest group (SSIG) lead, said: “Raising the public’s awareness of the signs that could indicate oral cancer, and early referral and diagnosis by clinicians, are essential to avoid aggressive, lengthy and life-altering treatment. As it is, people with mouth cancer are more likely to die than those having cervical cancer or melanoma skin cancer.”
According to the latest figures for the UK (Cancer Research UK, 2014) the number of mouth cancer cases has increased dramatically by 39% in the last decade, and by 92% since the 1970s.
“Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, but they are more common in people over 40, particularly men. Worryingly, recent research has shown that it is now becoming more common in younger patients and in women. In the last year more than 7,000 were diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK – an increase of more than a third compared to a decade ago.
“Public awareness of what to look out for is not as good as it could be,” Chi-Hwa Chan explained. “This is why the Oral Health Foundation campaign is so important. People should look out for mouth ulcers, whether they are painful or not, or any unusual lumps or swelling, and consult their dentist or GP.”
Mouth Cancer Action month runs from 1 November to 30 November 2017. For information about the campaign and a wide range of resources for clinicians and the public go to http://www.mouthcancer.org/
Ends
For further information and interviews contact: Siân Evans on 020 8674 8921 / 07752 414433 / sian@goodevansmedia.co.uk or BAOMS on office@baoms.org.uk
Notes to editors
- The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) promotes the advancement of education, research and the development of oral and maxillofacial Surgery in Great Britain, and encourages and assists postgraduate education, study and research. For more information go to: www.baoms.org.uk
- The Oral Health Foundation Mouth Cancer Action month public campaign runs throughout November 2017 focused on publicising the causes of mouth cancer. The dedicated campaign website has resources for clinicians and the public http://www.mouthcancer.org/
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