The
British Dental Health Foundation, which runs UK Mouth Cancer Action
Month each November, is calling for more attention to be paid to mouth
cancers reminding people that there is a death from mouth cancer on average every 5 hours in the UK.
Oral
health experts and the Foundation are advising the public to regularly
check their mouths after news broke this week of actor Michael Douglas
being diagnosed with oral cancer.
The Academy Award
winner has recently been diagnosed with a tumour in his throat, and now
faces an eight-week cause of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
This
high profile case has brought oral cancers into the lime light, and
oral health experts are keen to make the public more aware of the key
risk factors and early warning signs.
Douglas quit
smoking in 2006, after a long ‘half a packet a day’ habit. Yet, the
possibility of developing oral cancer remains higher for ex-smokers
than non-smokers for 20 years after quitting.
Tobacco
is considered to be the main cause of mouth cancer, with three in four
cases being linked to smoking. Drinking in excess is also a known
factor, with those who both smoke and drink to ecxcess being up 30
times more likely to be at risk.
The chief
Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter
said: “It is crucial the public know about the risk factors and early
symptoms as early detection can save lives. Survival rates can increase
from just 50% to over 90% with early detection - yet over two thirds of
cases are diagnosed at a late stage.
“Many people
have not heard of mouth cancer, and do not realise how common it is –
latest figures show that over 5,300 cases are diagnosed in the UK in a
year and that men over the age of 40 are twice as likely to develop the
condition as women.”
Other risk factors include a
poor diet. Research has shown that an increased intake of fish,
vegetables, fruit and eggs can help lower risks of cancer. The Human
Papilloma virus (HPV)is also linked to the disease, with US studies
have linking more than 20,000 cancer cases to HPV in the last five
years. The virus can be transmitted via oral sex.
If
Douglas’ treatment is unsuccessful his treatment is likely to be either
a partial or complete laryngectomy which can casue voice changes or the
loss of voice completely; for an actor could massively impact their
career.
Dr Nigel Carter added: “This case shows
just how devastating and life-changing mouth or oral cancer can be and
it really is vital the public know what to do if they spot a problem.”
Early
warning signs include: a non-healing mouth ulcer, red or white patches
in the mouth and any unusual lumps or swelling. The Foundation advises
anyone with any of these symptoms to visit their dentist for further
examination.
For advice on other oral health
concerns contact the Dental Helpline on 0845 063 1188 for free and
confidential support. This service is run by fully qualified oral
health experts and deals with a wide range of topics from mouth cancer
to gum disease to how to care for your teeth.
This
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month. Organised by the British Dental
Health Foundation, the campaign is designed to raise awareness of the
disease. The Foundation raises funds and awareness through the Blue
Ribbon Badge Appeal. Professionals can support the campaign by wearing
and selling badges in their practices, pharmacies, hospitals and
surgeries. Please contact the Foundation on 01788 539 793 to request a
kit.