This week is mouth cancer awareness week. Most people who choose to smoke or drink too much alcohol don’t worry too much about mouth cancer as being a risk – yet there are 5000 cases diagnosed in the UK each year and nearly 2000 deaths. Scotland has by far the highest number of oral cancers with around 530 cases per year and this seems to be increasing. Between 1990 and 1999 the number of new cases in Scotland increased by a massive 43%!
Smoking, high alcohol intake and a poor diet are thought to significantly increase the risk of oral cancer with as many as 80% of cases are linked to smoking.
However, early detection could save many lives – it can improve survival rates to more than 90% - so if you notice any changes in your mouth that last longer that three weeks, speak to your doctor or dentist.
For further information on signs or symptoms, go to http://www.openuptomouthcancer.org
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