The British Dental Health Foundation, who organizes the annual campaign, estimate that over the next decade around 60,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with the disease.

Although Mouth Cancer Action Month is a bleak and very serious subject, the good news is that spotting the disease early on increases chances of survival to more than 90%!

So what does mouth cancer look like? While there aren’t any signs for some people, others can detect early signs of mouth cancer: bleeding in the mouth, red or white patches, and constant soreness are all symptoms.

The causes of mouth cancer aren’t always fully understood by doctors, but they do know that factors like smoking and drinking heighten your chances of developing it.

“The lack of awareness towards a disease which has increased by nearly 50 per cent in the last ten years is truly alarming. It is really important that everyone knows the warning signs for mouth cancer. They include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth.  Our message to everyone is ‘If in doubt, get checked out.’ Advised Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter,

PREVENTION IS KEY

Lifestyle choices can prevent this significant threat.

SMOKING, CHEWING TOBACCO, ARECA NUT, PAAN and GUTHKA are main risks.

• ALCOHOL can be deadly. Drinking and smoking to excess raises risk by up to 30 times as alcohol aids absorption of tobacco into the mouth.

• POOR DIET has been linked to mouth cancer. Make sure you get your five-a-day fruit and vegetables. Evidence shows that extra portions of fruit and vegetables reduce the risk still further, as can fish and eggs.

• HPV: the human papilloma virus (HPV), is a growing threat as a mouth cancer cause. Experts suggest it may rival tobacco and alcohol as a major cancer cause within 10 years.

‘If In Doubt Get Checked Out’

Early detection saves lives.

The five year survival rate of mouth cancer patients is just 50%.

BUT early diagnosis gives patients a 90% survival.

Regular visit to your dentist will ensure you are professionally screened for signs of mouth cancer. Talk to your dentists about the process and mouth cancer risk factors.

Self-examination is a simple, potentially life-saving process.

Look out for:

• Ulcers which do not heal within three weeks
• Red and white patches in the mouth
• Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth

During the month of November the team at Jivadental will be raising awareness about the prevention of mouth cancer, they will be offering complimentary 5 min mouth cancer Screenings & will be posting information & advice on Twitter & facebook.

If you have any concerns about your mouth remember,  ‘If In Doubt Get Checked Out’ Give the Jiva team a call on 0208 546 0011 or send them a contact form today!