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Shock figures prompt oral cancer awareness month
27th Aug 2009
The national campaign to flag up the perils of mouth cancer is being extended to a month after recent figures showed record numbers diagnosed with the disease.
The British Dental Health Foundation is running its annual Mouth Cancer Awareness Month in response to rocketing figures.
The charity is calling on dentists, pharmacists and dental care professionals to lend their support to the campaign, advising the public: ‘If in doubt, get checked out'.
The public are also being urged to seek signs of mouth cancer and visit their dentist for oral screenings as early detection of this killer disease improves survival chances from just 50% to more than 90%.
Addressing dentists nationwide, Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter said: 'It is vital that we gain your support as recent shocking figures show mouth cancer is on the increase. This proves an urgent need to ensure that each and every dental patient is screened for mouth cancer and informed of the risks.
'People must understand the threat posed by tobacco and alcohol and HPV and be advised on the best possible lifestyle choices to stay healthy.
'This risk awareness is then augmented by oral screening and self-examination for warning signs such as ulcers which do not heal, red or white patches or other unusual changes in the mouth. This kind of early detection will save lives.
'Don't be the dentist who leaves a patient at risk of mouth cancer – make sure your practice is on message to spread awareness and that oral screenings are an effective, everyday priority.'
At the heart of the campaign lies the inspirational story of Lia Mills, the face of the MCAM 2009 poster campaign (below).
Novelist Lia, 52, was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2006 after first ignoring her lump, then facing a struggle to convince her dentist there was more to her ulcer than lichen planus. Her speech at the 2008 Mouth Cancer Action Week launch at the House of Commons had a deep impact on all present.
The campaign poster featuring Lia Mills is available free from campaign supporters Denplan (call 0845 6082800 or email pressoffice@denplan.co.uk).
The Foundation has made it easier than ever to get involved through the extended opportunity afforded by the month-long campaign, advised and supported by the Department of Health and the British Dental Association.
Free screening sessions, displays and awareness days can make a real difference, while distribution of Blue Ribbon Badges will be key to driving awareness.
Campaign products and resources will help share the message and boost funding for this vital campaign, while the campaign's online headquarters are at www.mouthcancer.org.
For further information – and to order your free Blue Ribbon Badge kit – contact the Foundation press office on 01788 539792 or email pr@dentalhealth.org.
For a free campaign poster contact Denplan on 0845 6082800 or email pressoffice@denplan.co.uk.
• Recent figures showed 5,325 cases of mouth cancer in 2006, an 8% year-on-year rise and a 41% rise in just 10 years. Latest stats show 1,851 deaths in 2007, a 13% increase in the past decade – with one mouth cancer death every five hours in the UK.
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