Mouth Cancer Prevention

 

Mouth cancer is one of the top ten most commonly diagnosed cancers and accounts for more than 7,800 new cases a year. Over the past 10 years the incidence of mouth cancer has risen by 25%. The early signs of mouth cancer can often be seen and when it is found early there is a better chance of surviving it.

 

MOUTH CANCER – KNOW THE SIGNS:-

• an ulcer or sore in your mouth that lasts longer than three weeks
• persistent discomfort or pain in the mouth
• a red or white patch in your mouth that lasts longer than three weeks
• an unexplained lump in your mouth or neck
• a sore or painful throat lasting more than three weeks
• a long-lasting croaky voice or difficulty swallowing
• numbness of your tongue or mouth
• neck swelling that lasts more than 3 weeks

 

Lumps and ulcers in the mouth are very common and usually get better on their own. Changes that last longer than three weeks could be serious and should be reported to your doctor or dentist without delay. It probably won’t be mouth cancer, but if it is, detecting it early gives a better chance of successful treatment.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK:-

 

• be a non-smoker – smokers are more than three times more likely to develop mouth cancer than non-smokers

 

• avoid chewing tobacco or betel nut quids

 

• cut down on alcohol – the more you cut down on alcohol, the more you reduce the risk of mouth cancer. People who use tobacco and alcohol have the highest risk of mouth cancer.

 

• visit your dentist regularly:- a mouth cancer check is part of your dental examination

 

 

 Visit your dentist or doctor at once if you notice any abnormal

 problems or are not sure.