MOUTH cancer is on the rise and last year in Warrington alone 200 people were diagnosed with the disease.
Warrington and Halton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Maxillofacial/Orthodontic department is backing the “Mouth Cancer Action Month” and on Thursday 19 November, the department will be throwing open its doors to the public inviting them to have their mouth examined at Warrington Hospital by a specialist.
The sessions will run from 9.30am-12noon and 1.30-4.00pm in the Maxillofacial/Orthodontic department, Appleton Wing, Warrington Hospital. No appointment is necessary.
Mouth cancer is diagnosed in 5,000 people annually and kills almost 2,000 people each year – that is one every five hours. The action month is about raising awareness, as early detection saves lives. An early diagnosis improves survival chances to more than 90 per cent. 
It is also important that people play their part through self examination for early warning signs of mouth cancer and are aware of the risk factors such as tobacco, excess alcohol and HPV. It is important to have regular visits to the dentist, who as part of their examination professionally screen for signs of mouth cancer.
Self-examination is a simple, potentially life-saving process. Look out for:
* Ulcers which do not heal within three weeks
* Red and white patches in the mouth
* Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth
Anyone with concerns should make an appointment with their dentist immediately.
The month also highlights how lifestyle choices can lead to mouth cancer.
Main risks are smoking, chewing tobacco, areca nut, paan and guthka.
Drinking and smoking to excess raises risk by up to 30 times as alcohol aids absorption of tobacco into the mouth.
Poor diet has also been linked to mouth cancer.
Make sure you get your five-a-day fruit and vegetables. Evidence shows that extra portions of fruit and vegetables reduce the risk still further, as can fish and eggs.
Dr Adrian Thorp, associate specialist commented: “A growing number of people are developing the disease without displaying any traditional risk factors which underlines the need for check-ups and self-examination.”
Picture: Associate Specialist Dr Adrian Thorp in action.
