The founder of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, Dr Vinod Joshi says “We are delighted to receive a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. This will enable us to get our new initiative off the ground. The check is quick and easy. Everyone can do it at home to look out for the signs and symptoms of mouth cancers. Dentists can also advise patients how to screen and effectively examine their own mouths. The expert advice of a dentist or doctor must also be sort immediately if anything suspicious is detected.”
Mouth cancer can strike anyone at any time so it is important to catch it early. Nearly 8,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the UK every year and it is estimated that 60,000 people will be diagnosed over the next decade.
Mouth cancers can often be felt before there are any visible symptoms. Often the best way to detect ulcers, lumps, bumps or swelling is through the sense of touch.
Dr Joshi continues “As mouth cancer is on the increase around the world, we urge everyone to take responsibility for their own oral health. Early diagnosis is imperative in order to save lives. This swift and effective self-check that we plan to launch in the coming months, will play a key role in the early detection of mouth cancer.”
Oral cancers are often painless so in addition it is important to be aware of the general signs and symptoms of mouth cancer which include:
Ø An ulcer or white or red patch anywhere in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks.
Ø A lump or swelling anywhere in the mouth, jaw or neck that persists for more than three weeks.
Ø Difficulty in swallowing, chewing or moving the jaw or tongue.
Ø Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.
Ø A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
Ø A chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists more than six weeks.
Ø An unexplained loosening of teeth with no dental cause.