Elderly mouth cancer patients at higher risk of hospital admission due to depression

The research, published in Gerodontology, found that men over the age of fifty who were suffering from mouth cancer were 56 per cent more likely to be admitted to hospital with depression. The Oral Health Foundation believes many of these emotional issues come as a result of the significant problems mouth cancer patients face due to the nature of their treatment, which often affects the ability to communicate, eat, drink and even breath.

The charity is appealing to the family, friends and carers of mouth cancer sufferers to be vigilant as to their emotional state and to try and offer them the support they need to help them avoid any psychological problems which could affect the outcome of their treatment.

Speaking on the issue Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “This research is extremely concerning when you consider that most people who are diagnosed with mouth cancer are men over the age of 50. We must be alert to this issue and offer comprehensive emotional support, even before they are diagnosed.