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21/11/2019
Mouth Cancer Cases To Double By 2035
Cases of mouth cancer in Northern Ireland are set to double in the next sixteen years, experts have warned.
Some 233 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer on average each year, many of which are at a late stage, with 95 of those patients dying from the disease.
Cancer Focus NI and the British Dental Association (BDA) have joined forces to mark Mouth Cancer Mouth and raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms, which can transform low chances of survival upon diagnosis to over 90%.
The main risk factors highlighted by the organisations are smoking and drinking alcohol, which together account for around 75% of mouth cancers.
People who both drink and use tobacco are up to 30 times more likely to develop the condition.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is another leading cause and the recent move to extend the vaccine to adolescent boys in Northern Ireland will save lives, according to Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Focus NI.
"The message is clear - stop smoking, reduce your intake of alcohol, eat a healthy diet with at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables and remember that early diagnosis can really make the difference," he advised. "Make sure you visit a dentist and check your mouth regularly - it might just save your life."
The BDA aims to ensure that mouth cancer features strongly in the new Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy.
Caroline Lappin, Council Chair at BDANI, said: "Clearly public awareness of mouth cancer compared with other cancers is low. This has got to change. It's alarming that around 70% of mouth cancers are detected at a late stage because people don't know the warning signs. This often results in lower chances of survival. However, early detection transforms survival chances to more than 90%.
"It's important to be 'mouth aware'. Look out for any changes in the mouth such as an ulcer that doesn't heal or any unusual changes in the mouth, lips, head and neck. Dentists can play an important role in detecting changes so do visit your dentist regularly and seek professional help if you have any concerns."
Visit Cancer Focus to find out more about mouth cancer. The organisation also provides information and support via Nurse Line to people worried about, or affected by cancer.
For advice contact the Cancer Focus NI information and support Nurse Line on 0800 783 3339, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1pm, or by email at helpline@cancerfocusni.org.
(JG/CM)
Some 233 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer on average each year, many of which are at a late stage, with 95 of those patients dying from the disease.
Cancer Focus NI and the British Dental Association (BDA) have joined forces to mark Mouth Cancer Mouth and raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms, which can transform low chances of survival upon diagnosis to over 90%.
The main risk factors highlighted by the organisations are smoking and drinking alcohol, which together account for around 75% of mouth cancers.
People who both drink and use tobacco are up to 30 times more likely to develop the condition.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is another leading cause and the recent move to extend the vaccine to adolescent boys in Northern Ireland will save lives, according to Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Focus NI.
"The message is clear - stop smoking, reduce your intake of alcohol, eat a healthy diet with at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables and remember that early diagnosis can really make the difference," he advised. "Make sure you visit a dentist and check your mouth regularly - it might just save your life."
The BDA aims to ensure that mouth cancer features strongly in the new Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy.
Caroline Lappin, Council Chair at BDANI, said: "Clearly public awareness of mouth cancer compared with other cancers is low. This has got to change. It's alarming that around 70% of mouth cancers are detected at a late stage because people don't know the warning signs. This often results in lower chances of survival. However, early detection transforms survival chances to more than 90%.
"It's important to be 'mouth aware'. Look out for any changes in the mouth such as an ulcer that doesn't heal or any unusual changes in the mouth, lips, head and neck. Dentists can play an important role in detecting changes so do visit your dentist regularly and seek professional help if you have any concerns."
Visit Cancer Focus to find out more about mouth cancer. The organisation also provides information and support via Nurse Line to people worried about, or affected by cancer.
For advice contact the Cancer Focus NI information and support Nurse Line on 0800 783 3339, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1pm, or by email at helpline@cancerfocusni.org.
(JG/CM)
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09 November 2007
Smokers Warned On Mouth Cancer Danger
Nearly 50 people die every year in Northern Ireland from mouth cancer. Approximately 145 people are diagnosed with this form of oral cancer here every year, with about one third dying from the disease. In fact, in the UK overall, one individual dies every five hours from mouth cancer.
Smokers Warned On Mouth Cancer Danger
Nearly 50 people die every year in Northern Ireland from mouth cancer. Approximately 145 people are diagnosed with this form of oral cancer here every year, with about one third dying from the disease. In fact, in the UK overall, one individual dies every five hours from mouth cancer.
10 November 2011
Cancer Charity Urges 'Look Down In The Mouth'
People across NI are being encouraged to look 'down in the mouth' as the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) uses Mouth Cancer Week to encourage people to be aware of the early signs of mouth cancer and to seek medical help if they have any concerns.
Cancer Charity Urges 'Look Down In The Mouth'
People across NI are being encouraged to look 'down in the mouth' as the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) uses Mouth Cancer Week to encourage people to be aware of the early signs of mouth cancer and to seek medical help if they have any concerns.
26 November 2021
Health Minister Urges People To Be 'Mouth Aware'
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to be "mouth aware" and check for signs of mouth cancer. Marking Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, Minister Swann visited Dunmurry Dental Practice, where he praised the vital work of dental professionals in checking for signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.
Health Minister Urges People To Be 'Mouth Aware'
Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people to be "mouth aware" and check for signs of mouth cancer. Marking Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, Minister Swann visited Dunmurry Dental Practice, where he praised the vital work of dental professionals in checking for signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.
22 May 2019
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
14 June 2023
Five New Cancer Support Centres To Be Established Across NI
Five new cancer support centres are to be established across Northern Ireland, Cancer Focus has announced as part of a five-year plan aligned with the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy.
Five New Cancer Support Centres To Be Established Across NI
Five new cancer support centres are to be established across Northern Ireland, Cancer Focus has announced as part of a five-year plan aligned with the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
