Oral Health Foundation calls for government-funded campaign to increase public awareness of mouth cancer “before its too late”
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 11th November 2024
The Oral Health Foundation is urgently calling for a government-funded campaign to raise public awareness about mouth cancer, following data that highlights a widespread lack of knowledge about the disease and its symptoms.
The charity’s research, released as part of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month, reveals that mouth cancer remains widely misunderstood and often overlooked, with almost a quarter (23%) unaware that cancer can occur in and around the mouth.
The report also shows a significant lack of awareness of key early warning signs. Fewer than half (43%) of UK adults are aware that mouth ulcers lasting more than three weeks could indicate mouth cancer. Even fewer recognise the risks associated with lumps or swelling in the head, neck, or mouth (42%), red patches (38%), or white patches (32%) in the mouth. Nearly a quarter (24%) are unable to identify any symptoms.
Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, believes a government-funded campaign on mouth cancer is long overdue and could be crucial in raising life-saving awareness.
Dr Carter says: “The statistics paint a worrying picture. Without a significant awareness drive, people will continue to ignore the early warning signs, resulting in late-stage diagnoses that drastically reduce survival chances. Immediate action is vital to save lives.
“We need to break the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mouth cancer, ensuring people understand that it can affect anyone. Awareness and education are our strongest tools, empowering the public to recognise symptoms and seek medical advice promptly before it’s too late.”
The data, published in the charity’s State of Mouth Cancer Report, reveal there are now 10,825 new cases of mouth cancer in the UK every year. This has increased by 133% in the last 20 years.
The research also finds that many people are unaware of where mouth cancer can develop. Although around a third (31%) of all mouth cancer cases occur on the tongue, nearly half (44%) are unaware that cancer can affect this area.
For Karen Liesching-Schroder, these statistics are more than just numbers. Her life took a drastic turn after her tongue cancer diagnosis, leaving her and her husband Ian in a relentless battle to raise awareness about a disease many still know very little about. As they grapple with the aftermath, they’re urging the public and government to take action to save lives.
Karen says: “I had no idea. I’m a healthy person – I run, don’t smoke, rarely drink, and eat well. I didn’t realise mouth cancer could happen to me.
“We need more awareness everywhere – in dental practices, doctor’s surgeries and even in places of work. It is an issue. There’s not enough awareness for people to understand the intricacies around these cancers.
“We’re working on it, but it takes time. It’s getting better, though, especially in November when the Oral Health Foundation, the Mouth Cancer Foundation, and other charities raise awareness.”
Ian, Karen’s husband, believes mouth cancer awareness still has a long way to go. He says: “I’ve taken mouth cancer posters into doctors and hospitals and asked for them to be displayed. But they’re not there, and if they are put up, they are not there for very long.
“Many other cancers and medical problems you’ll see on notice boards, but not mouth cancer. It’s not clear, it’s not advertised or signposted properly.”
The charity’s report also revealed that nearly one-in-five (19%) people reported experiencing at least one potential early warning sign of mouth cancer in the past year. However, fewer than one-in-three (31%) of these sought advice from a healthcare professional.
Many of those who chose not to seek professional help believed their symptoms were not serious. Others were concerned about the potential cost of treatment, had difficulty securing an appointment, or avoided seeking help due to fear of receiving bad news.
“Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates and improving a person’s quality of life after treatment,” says Dr Carter. “A government-funded awareness campaign is essential to help people understand the importance of recognising symptoms early and seeking professional advice before it’s too late.”
“If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth – anything that doesn’t look or feel right – get it checked out by your dentist or doctor.”
To learn more about mouth cancer, including the early warning signs and symptoms, visit www.mouthcancer.org.
