Patients want mouth cancer checks

The findings showed that nine in 10 patients (88 per cent) would like to be checked for the disease. Despite the public’s desire to be checked for cancer, only one in seven people (14 per cent) indicated their dentist had explained the risks and symptoms of mouth cancer to them.

The results highlight a gap in communication between dentist and the public, who are left lacking the knowledge and awareness of a disease which has risen by 40 per cent in the last decade and is now responsible for an estimated 6,000 deaths a year in the UK.

The survey was conducted throughout Mouth Cancer Action Month with callers contacting the British Dental Health Foundation’s National Dental Helpline. More than 250 members of the public agreed to participate in the survey, which was undertaken by the foundation’s team of qualified dental professionals.

Chief executive of the foundation, Nigel Carter said only by bridging the gap between dentist and patient can the public become more engaged with the threat of Britain’s fastest growing cancer.