NOVEMBER is Mouth Cancer Action Month and the Oral Health Foundation is asking for support to “help save lives by raising vital awareness of mouth cancer”.
Mouth Cancer Action Month aims to reduce the number of lives claimed by the disease through promoting the importance of early detection and prevention. The campaign promotes patient education on the risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer while also encouraging the public to discuss them with their dental professional.
The incidence of mouth cancer has increased year-on-year, with cases rising by over a third in the last decade alone. The OHF says dentists are on the front-line in the fight against mouth cancer, and their support and participation remains instrumental in helping combat the disease.
CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, commented: “Survival rates for those with mouth cancer have not improved in the last 30 years. By being ‘Mouthaware’ and spotting mouth cancer early enough we will give patients the best possible chance to beat mouth cancer and have a good quality of life.”
Early detection of oral cancer can increase the chances of survival to 90 per cent from 50 per cent.
Last year, more than 2,000 dental organisations supported Mouth Cancer Action Month through education of patients and local people about this devastating disease, alongside the huge benefits of good oral health for our overall health.
To find out how you can get involved in Mouth Cancer Action Month 2017 visit www.mouthcancer.org for inspiration on what you can do to spread awareness.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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