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November is Mouth Cancer Action Month. These 30 days are for fundraising and improving our understanding of this dangerous disease.

Last year, 8,864 people received the life-changing news that they have mouth cancer.[i] Able to spread quickly, mouth cancer claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined. It is also a bigger killer per year than road traffic accidents.ⁱ Being able to identify the signs and symptoms is essential to save lives – the earlier the diagnosis, the more successful the treatment can be.

Signs and symptoms

Mouth cancer can develop in the tongue, gums, inner cheek lining, floor of the mouth, and lips.[ii] Current awareness of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer is at 17%.ⁱ This must increase to give at-risk patients the best shot at beating it.

There can be many symptoms of mouth cancer. Visual changes may include:

• A sore on the lip or mouth that will not heal
• A growth anywhere in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Weight loss
• White, red and white, or red patches in or on the lips and mouth[iii]

Other symptoms are:

• Bleeding from the mouth
• Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A persistent earache
• A sore throat
• Tongue pain
• A hoarse voice or loss of voice
• Jaw pain or stiffnessⁱⁱⁱ

If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see a doctor or a dentist. Early diagnosis can stop the fast spread of the cancer.

Knowing the risk

Certain people are more likely to develop mouth cancer than others. There are many risk factors that cannot be controlled. These can include age, a family history of mouth cancer, having a weakened immune system, and gender. However, there are some preventable risk factors.

The most well-known risk factor for mouth cancer is smoking – it is linked to over 60% of mouth cancers.[iv] This is because tobacco contains over 60 toxic chemicals that can cause cancer.[v] These are called carcinogens. Smokers who also drink large quantities of alcohol are at an even greater risk.ⁱⁱⁱ Quitting smoking or switching to e-cigarettes can reduce the risk of mouth cancer.

Another preventable risk factor is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is one of the most common STIs.[vi] It often goes away on its own but sexually active people should get regular STI tests and practice safe sex. School vaccination programmes have also proven successful.

People who work outside for long periods of time are also at risk. This can include farmers, sailors and builders. The constant exposure to the sun and UV rays can increase the risk of mouth cancer developing. Wearing an SPF lip balm and shielding the face with a hat can reduce this risk for outdoor workers.

Be part of the battle

Incidence of mouth cancer has risen by 49% over the past decade.ⁱ Being able to spot signs and symptoms is important for treating it early. At-risk patients need regular check-ups and should control any harmful lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of mouth cancer.

This November, join us in raising awareness for the symptoms and risks of mouth cancer. From educating family members to encouraging smokers to vape, there are many small ways that you can get involved. Don’t let mouth cancer impact the lives of those around you.