Mouth cancer awareness

Mouth cancer is an important global healthcare problem. There are more than 300 cases of cancer of the mouth (oral cavity and pharynx) reported in Ireland every year. These cancers are more common in men than in women. However this is changing. The incidence rate of cancer of the mouth in women has increased significantly at a rate of 3% per year since 1994. It mainly affects older people although younger people are being diagnosed now. In Britain, the incidence of mouth cancer has increased faster than any other cancer in the past 25 years.

According to the National Cancer Registry in Ireland, roughly half of all mouth cancers and even less of cancers of the pharynx are diagnosed at an early stage. This can result in more complex treatment with greater impact on quality of life and overall survival. Whilst it depends on the cancer site we know that more than half of those treated will have good survival outcomes and this continues to improve each year.

Early detection of mouth cancer greatly improves the chances of survival. Dentists have a key role to play in the early detection of mouth cancer and in the prevention of the disease by identifying those patients who are exposed to risk factors.

Mouth Cancer Awareness Day

Mouth Cancer Awareness Day 2012 took place on Wednesday, September 19th, when free mouth cancer examinations were offered throughout the country. Mouth cancer examinations are quick and painless. Please consult your dentist or GP about a mouth cancer examination - taking 10 minutes that could save your life.

To help raise awareness of Mouth, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Day 2012, the Irish Cancer Society provided an information stand at both the Dublin Dental Hospital and the Cork Dental Hospital on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012.

Overseen by our Health Promotion Advisors and our CHEP (Community Health Education Programme) volunteers, our stands carried a wide array of information on mouth, head and neck cancer, its signs and symptoms, as well as general cancer information, health promotion and prevention and early detection literature for everyone.

How can I make sure that my mouth stays healthy?

1. Visit a dentist regularly even if you wear dentures. This is especially important if you smoke and drink alcohol.
2. When brushing your teeth, look out for any changes in your mouth or neck. Early warning signs include ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, or other unusual changes in the mouth or neck.
3. When exposed to the sun, make sure to use the correct type of barrier cream on your lips.
4. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. A good diet, rich in vitamins A, C and E, helps the body to protect itself from most cancers.
5. Avoid the risk factors for mouth cancer. These include:

• Smoking tobacco – cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars, pipes or cannabis.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Using tobacco and alcohol together - this greatly increases your risk.
• Excessive exposure to sunlight or radiation (for lip cancer).
• Chewing tobacco, betelguid, gutkha and paan.
• A diet lacking in fruit and vegetables.
• Viral infections, e.g., human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can be spread through oral sex.

If you are concerned about cancer, worried about symptoms or you just want to know more about how you can reduce your risk of getting cancer why not talk to a specialist cancer nurse on the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700, 9am-7pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-5pm on Fridays.

You can also email the nurse at helpline@irishcancer.ie or talk to a nurse on our cancer forum.

Should you require any information please visit our Reduce Your Risk section of our website.

More information

For more in-depth information about mouth cancer, visit our mouth cancer information pages here, where you will find information about the signs and symptoms of mouth, head and neck cancer, and an outline of risk factors and prevention of mouth, head and neck cancer.