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21/11/2022
People Urged To Be #mouthaware During Mouth Cancer Action Month
Northern Ireland's Chief Dental Officer has urged people to be #mouthaware by looking after their oral health in November, Mouth Cancer Action Month.
More than two thirds of mouth cancer cases in the UK affect men, so ahead of International Men's Day tomorrow, we are asking men to take their oral health seriously.
The major risk factors for oral cancer are tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
In the UK, almost one person every hour is diagnosed with mouth cancer.
Caroline Lappin, Northern Ireland's Chief Dental Officer, says many of the patients at greatest risk often do not regularly attend a doctor or dentist.
Ms Lappin said: "For those who drink alcohol heavily and also smoke, the risk of mouth cancer increases significantly.
"Oral cancer is also strongly related to older age. Early identification, diagnosis and treatment can achieve better outcomes for patients."
Unfortunately, oral cancer does not cause many symptoms in the early stages and can go unnoticed for some time.
The signs and symptoms of mouth cancer include:
• A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks;
• White or red patches in the mouth;
• Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head or neck;
• Any persistent hoarseness.
Ms Lappin urged anyone who is concerned about a mouth ulcer that is not healing, a red or white patch in their mouth, or an unexplained lump in the mouth or neck to contact a dentist and explain their concern.
More than two thirds of mouth cancer cases in the UK affect men, so ahead of International Men's Day tomorrow, we are asking men to take their oral health seriously.
The major risk factors for oral cancer are tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
In the UK, almost one person every hour is diagnosed with mouth cancer.
Caroline Lappin, Northern Ireland's Chief Dental Officer, says many of the patients at greatest risk often do not regularly attend a doctor or dentist.
Ms Lappin said: "For those who drink alcohol heavily and also smoke, the risk of mouth cancer increases significantly.
"Oral cancer is also strongly related to older age. Early identification, diagnosis and treatment can achieve better outcomes for patients."
Unfortunately, oral cancer does not cause many symptoms in the early stages and can go unnoticed for some time.
The signs and symptoms of mouth cancer include:
• A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks;
• White or red patches in the mouth;
• Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head or neck;
• Any persistent hoarseness.
Ms Lappin urged anyone who is concerned about a mouth ulcer that is not healing, a red or white patch in their mouth, or an unexplained lump in the mouth or neck to contact a dentist and explain their concern.
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