Coffee Break November: Mouth Cancer Action Month - “Take Action”!

It's Mouth Cancer Action Month, a campaign spearheaded by Mouth Cancer Foundation. I am “Taking Action” this month helping people to think about mouth cancer and raising awareness of the risks, symptoms and how you can “take action” too.

Also known as oral cancer, mouth cancer is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer. It can start in any part of the mouth. The most common places for mouth cancer to develop are on the sides of the mouth and the floor of the mouth. Over 10,000 people were diagnosed in the UK last year. It is not always clear why some people get mouth cancer as some people do not have any risk factors.

Did you know tobacco is the main cause of mouth cancer either smoked or chewed?!  Drinking high levels of alcohol can increase your risk of getting mouth cancer, and the two combined increases the risk up to 30 times! Some other risk factors are if you have a weakened immune system, exposure to the sun developing as skin cancer on the lips or mouth and it is also linked to having changes in your genes and having some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in your mouth.

I am “Taking Action “ by doing a 2 minute self-examination after brushing my teeth, like this:

If you have symptoms of mouth cancer it is important to get these checked as a lot of cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed in the later stages. Symptoms can have other causes too and does not always mean you have mouth cancer.  “Take Action” and see your GP or Dentist if you are concerned with:

• a mouth ulcer in your mouth that lasts more than 3 weeks
• a red or white patch inside your mouth
• a lump inside your mouth, on your lip, or in your neck or throat
• pain inside your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty speaking or a hoarse or croaky voice
• losing weight without trying to

You can “Take Action” and lessen your risk of developing mouth cancer by quitting smoking, know your alcohol intake and have no more than 14 units per week, eat a healthy diet, including 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and exercise regularly if you are able to.

I am “Taking Action” by walking 10k this month and raising awareness along the route of the importance of this month’s campaign. Look out for the photos on our social media platforms.

Written by Carrie at Yorkshire Smoke Free  NHS Stop Smoking Service - Yorkshire Smokefree