Mouth Cancer Action Month

Mouth Cancer Action Month

Good news from the British Dental Association for the Mouth Cancer Action Month which although this cancer is a particularly bleak and very serious subject, the Association say that spotting the disease early can increase chances of survival to more than 90%!

So you might wonder what mouth cancer looks like?  While it is sometimes difficult to spot because there aren't any signs for some of the cancers, others show early signs like bleeding in the mouth, red or white patches, and constant soreness might also be an indication.

What causes this cancer? Well the causes of mouth cancer aren't always fully understood by doctors, but they do know that factors like smoking and drinking increase the risk of developing it.   If you are drinking and smoking at the same time, the liquid from the alcohol will allow the tobacco to be absorbed faster into your system and this dual consumption means you may be thirty times more likely to develop mouth cancer.

Aside from avoiding drink and smoking, a healthy diet will also help decrease your chances of mouth cancer.  Specifically, trying to eat your five a day … and even six a day if you can! Having fish and eggs in your diet is also said to be beneficial.

And then there is lip cancer.  SPF lip balms are a great idea because they’ll help protect you from the danger of the sun’s rays. For more information about mouth cancer risk factors there will be a link on the blog. 

So in the great tradition of UK Health Radio listeners, how are we going to support Mouth Cancer Action Month in November?  Well you could get involved in the Blue Ribbon Badge Appeal.   Every ribbon will be a £1 donation, and the more people buy them, the bigger and better the impact.

Dentists and healthcare professionals should also be ready to teach people about the disease and the press should report the facts so people are more aware of them.  The British Dental Association recognise that they may be the first professionals to realise that there is a problem with a patient’s mouth, and they are ready to take up the challenge.

Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and this blog is provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and are only intended as additional information to your general knowledge and not as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. So please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on UK Health Radio.

UK Health Radio – the health radio station for the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond at www.ukhealthradio.com – is kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com

Amanda Thomas

UK Health Radio

Mouth Cancer Action Month