We are helping to raise awareness and encourage people to know the signs of mouth and throat cancers. We want more people to be diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer. It can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist. If mouth cancer is diagnosed early, then the chances of a cure are good. Many people with mouth cancer go to their dentist or doctor too late.
Throat cancer can start in any part of the throat. This page tells you the symptoms to look out for.
Knowing the signs of cancer could save your life.
Mouth Cancer Symptoms
If you notice any of these symptoms of mouth cancer for three weeks or more, please see your dentist or GP surgery:
- ulcers which don’t heal
- red and white patches in the mouth
- unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth
Regular dental check-ups include checks for signs of mouth cancer, as well as tooth decay.
Throat Cancer Symptoms
Visit your GP surgery if you have any of these symptoms of throat cancer for more than three weeks:
- a croaky voice
- an unexplained lump in your neck
- pain when swallowing
- a feeling of a lump in your throat
Other signs of throat cancer include a cough, ear pain, weight loss, or a sore throat.
Your symptoms will not always mean cancer. Many of these are also symptoms of other conditions. But we all know our own bodies best, so if something doesn’t feel right contact your doctor straight away.
Check Yourself for Mouth Cancer
Mouth Cancer Foundation have made a simple check which you can do at home at any time.
The Self Examination shows you what to look for, and how to seek help if you find something unusual.
They recommend that you do your self-check once a month, after cleaning your teeth. The self-examination takes less than two minutes and might just save your life.
Watch their video here (3 mins 47 seconds):
Reduce your Risk
Getting older is the biggest risk of mouth and throat cancers. You can’t change your age, but you can make lifestyle changes to reduce your chance of developing these cancers:
- stop smoking or chewing tobacco, or chewing betel nut – tobacco is the single biggest cause of both mouth and throat cancers
- avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol – drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing mouth cancer by 400%
- eat a diet high in fruit and vegetables
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV can be transmitted through skin to skin contact, including oral sex, which can cause genital warts. HPV can cause mouth cancer in younger people, even if they do not smoke.
HPV could overtake tobacco and alcohol as the main risk factor for mouth cancer within the next decade (Mouth Cancer Foundation).
In England, girls and boys aged 12 to 13 years are offered the HPV vaccination in school when they’re in Year 8.
Find out more by visiting our HPV vaccination page:
Facts and Figures
– Each year, around 8,900 new cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed in the UK
– Smoking is the main cause of mouth cancer
– Alcohol can increase your risk of mouth cancer
– 78% of new cases are in people aged 55 and over
– More than half of all mouth cancers are diagnosed at stage 4, when it is already most advanced
(Sources: Cancer Research UK, The Mouth Cancer Foundation)
Useful Links
There are a number of cancer charities, some specifically for mouth and throat cancers, that can provide support and advice if you have been diagnosed. You can find plenty more information on the following (external) websites:
Cancer Care Map
Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There is a wide range of services available in the Wessex area and further afield.
Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.
Click on the Cancer Care Map logo and enter your postcode in the search box. You can enter key words to search for more specific services.
If you have any questions about the information on this page please Contact Us