Fear of dying is common among mouth cancer patients

21 November 2024

Research from the Oral Health Foundation has revealed 45 per cent of mouth cancer patients cited dying as their biggest worry. The research was published as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month in November 2024.

Statistics released by the charity show 10,825 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK in 2024. This has increased by 133 per cent in the last 20 years, putting mouth cancer into the top 10 most common cancers.

Further findings show that 3,637 people lost their lives to mouth cancer in 2024. This translates to 10 people every day.

The Oral Health Foundation study involved more than 100 mouth cancer patients. It revealed the fear of leaving children behind (35 per cent), and breaking the news to friends and family to be the hardest parts of an individual’s journey (40 per cent).

Even after treatment, 83 per cent of people with mouth cancer remain plagued by the fear that the cancer might return.

The Oral Health Foundation has urged everyone to be aware of the signs of mouth cancer and to support those living through the disease. It has said early detection saves lives and that the silence needs to be broken around this life-changing illness.

Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said, “While most cancers are on the decline, we are seeing cases of mouth cancer increase at an alarming rate. Despite this, we are still in a position where around one in four of the population are still unaware that it’s possible to get cancer in and around the mouth.

“Beating mouth cancer relies on knowing the early warning signs. This includes ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth are all signs of mouth cancer. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, get checked out by visiting your dentist or doctor.”

Rachel’s story

For parents like Rachel Parsons, the fear of leaving their children behind became an unbearable shadow over their lives.

Rachel, a mother of five from Coventry, noticed a lump in her mouth in December 2007. Rachel brought her mother to the hospital appointment, where the diagnosis was confirmed. When the doctor confirmed the diagnosis, her mum broke down, but Rachel did not. She said, “It was almost a relief. I’d been in pain for so long, and now something could be done.”

However, Rachel said the relief was fleeting as she was quickly consumed by the fear of the possibility of dying and leaving her children behind. At the time, Rachel asked her cancer nurse, “Am I going to die?”, and the nurse replied, “I don’t know. I can’t tell you that.” Rachel said, “That was the only time I really broke down.”

Nigel said, “Hearing the words mouth cancer can be one of the most frightening moments in anyone’s life.

“Rachel’s story is a reminder of the real human impact of mouth cancer. Behind every diagnosis is a person grappling with fears of mortality, the heartbreak of possibly leaving loved ones behind, and the hope of finding the strength to fight another day.”

For more information visit www.mouthcancer.org