Taking action to improve awareness of mouth cancer

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  Posted by: Dental Design      4th December 2024

November was Mouth Cancer Action Month; an event held every year with the support of the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the Oral Health Foundation. Its aim is to raise public awareness of mouth cancer, and to promote vigilance amongst dental and medical professionals in assessing for its signs and symptoms.

In support of Mouth Cancer Action Month 2024, an event was hosted at the House of Commons on 21^st November, bringing together members of the profession to discuss what can be done to improve the state of mouth cancer across the country, and to engage with government to raise awareness of this issue.

The importance of increased awareness

The Oral Health Foundation recently published The State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2024, which explores the prevalence of mouth cancer in the UK, as well as public awareness, and the experiences of survivors. It notes that only 77% of UK adults were aware of the possibility that cancer can develop in the mouth. This lack of awareness is troubling, as it may hinder early detection and treatment of the condition.[i]

Professor Tim Newton, President of the Oral Health Foundation, opened the parliamentary event and welcomed guests in attendance, highlighting the work of the Foundation, and the aims for the session. Professor Newton was followed by Mr Mahesh Kumar, President of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, who continued the conversation, discussing the importance of Mouth Cancer Action Month. He introduced Joe Butler, a survivor of mouth cancer, who shared his story:

Joe was just 26 when he received his diagnosis, after his dentist noticed an ulcer on the side of his tongue, and referred him to the hospital for further investigation, where he received a biopsy. He discussed his journey with treatment and recovery, with his personal story touching all those in attendance. He stresses that, although he wishes that he had never had mouth cancer, he considers himself lucky that his symptoms were identified in his routine dental appointment, allowing him to receive the diagnosis and treatment needed to overcome his illness.

Mouth cancer charter: where action is most needed

Mouth cancer is on the rise, with 10,825 new cases diagnosed in the UK last year, a 133% rise in 20 years.ⁱ This highlights the need for change to help bring cases down through awareness of risk factors, and early diagnosis. The mouth cancer charter highlights seven main areas which could improve the early detection and treatment of mouth cancer in the UK. These are as follows:

1. A government funded campaign to raise the public’s awareness of mouth cancer.
2. Improve access to routine dentistry for early detection of mouth cancer.
3. Enable enhanced training of GPs to identify suspected mouth cancers and update NICE guidelines.
4. Improve training programmes for healthcare staff to look for signs of mouth cancer.
5. Introduce free dental check-ups and treatment for mouth cancer patients.
6. Supporting the development of better technology to diagnose mouth cancers is crucial for improving early detection and patient outcomes.
7. Improve referral pathways for faster diagnosis and treatment of mouth cancer.

Early detection to make a difference

Identifying mouth cancer in its early stages is crucial for improving outcomes for patients, with early detection boosting chances of survival from 50% to 80%.ⁱ Bill Brodie, CEO of Vigilant Biosciences, stressed this during his session at the event. He highlighted the enormous difference it can make to patients when mouth cancer is detected very early, and the role that the BeVigilant OraFusion System can play in identifying cancer before signs are visible in a clinical examination.

The system identifies two key biomarkers associated with oral cancer, combined with information about a patient’s risk factors, to produce a result of Monitor or Investigate Further. This assists clinicians in their decision making around early-stage mouth cancer, and helps ensure that those who may not have been referred, or monitored closely over a number of months, get the referrals they need quickly.

It is essential that the profile of mouth cancer is raised across the UK, as this is the only way that patients will check their own health effectively, and seek the advice of a professional when they notice something unusual. With the support of the profession, government, emerging technologies, and events such as this during Mouth Cancer Action Month, change can happen.

 

For more information, please visit www.vigilantbiosciences.com or email info@vigilantbiosciences.com

 

[i] Oral Health Foundation. The State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2024. Accessed Nov 24. https://www.dentalhealth.org/thestateofmouthcancer

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