Mouth cancer cases in the UK hit a record high
More than 10,000 cases are being diagnosed annually, a 133 per cent rise over the last 20 years.
The number of mouth cancer cases in the UK has reached a record-breaking high; surpassing 10,000 for the first time, according to new data collected by the Oral Health Foundation.
The findings are part of the charity’s new State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2024 and have been released to coincide with November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.
The report shows 10,825 new cases of mouth cancer are being diagnosed in the UK annually – representing a 133 per cent rise over the last 20 years.
We need to raise awareness of the symptoms, the risk factors, and most importantly, the importance of early detection.
Dr Nigel Carter
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, warned of the growing threat mouth cancer poses to the population: “While many types of cancer are declining, mouth cancer continues to surge.
“Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption remain the most significant risk factors, but we are seeing a growing number of cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and other emerging causes. Mouth cancer can affect anyone, and the impact on a person’s life can be devastating.
“We need to raise awareness of the symptoms, the risk factors, and most importantly, the importance of early detection. Too many cases are diagnosed too late, often at the most advanced stage. This needs to change.”
The data reveals that most mouth cancers (66 per cent) in England are diagnosed in men, with those over-50 accounting for more than nine-in-ten (90 per cent) of all cases.
Around one-in-three (31 per cent) of the diagnoses occur on the tongue, while around one-in-five (22 per cent) are found in the tonsils. Other common areas affected include the lips, gums, inside of the cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth.
Mouth cancer symptoms include mouth ulcers that do not heal within two-to-three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head, or neck.
Joe Butler from Sheffield, was 26 years old when an ulcer on the side of his tongue kept coming back. Although Joe hadn’t been concerned, his dentist noticed the issue during a routine appointment. “I went to the dentist for a regular check-up, and she saw that I had a scar from the ulcer. I went to the hospital a few days later and did a biopsy,” said Joe.
“It’s a weird feeling finding out you have cancer. I remember my consultant saying that most of the time it’s nothing but unfortunately with you, it is. It was hard. It sounds daft, but when I got told, I didn’t know it was possible to get cancer in the mouth.
“I always tell people, if something doesn’t seem right, ask your dentist for a quick check-up. There is no harm in asking: ‘Do you mind having a quick look?’, if you’ve got an ulcer that just won’t go.”
The charity’s report shows an estimated 3,637 people in the UK lost their life to mouth cancer last year – an increase of 61 per cent compared with ten years ago.
At the same time, over half (52 per cent) of cases are diagnosed at stages III and IV, when the cancer is at its most advanced.
“The NHS dental contract and workforce shortages need to be addressed urgently,” added Dr Carter.
“We don’t want more soundbites, it’s time for government to tell us what exactly they plan to do with NHS dentistry and layout a timescale they can be held accountable to. Being able to access a dentist and get a timely referral is not only about healthy teeth and gums, but it could also be lifesaving.”
As part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, the Oral Health Foundation is being supported by PortmanDentex to improve how much people know about mouth cancer by raising awareness of the most common symptoms.
The dental group, which operates around 375 dental practices across the UK and Ireland is sharing advice about how to check for signs of mouth cancer at home.
Dr Catherine Tannahill, Director of Clinician Engagement at PortmanDentex, stresses the importance of being vigilant.
“Early diagnosis is critical in treating mouth cancer, yet we are still seeing cases being picked up far too late,” she said. “It’s crucial that people know the signs to look out for and regularly check their mouths. Visiting a dentist promptly if something doesn’t feel right could make all the difference.
“Try to get into the habit of doing a regular mouth cancer check in-between dental visits.
“Using a magnifying mirror, in a well-lit room, check the skin and lips for any changes in colour and texture. Try to familiarise yourself with your neck and all the lumps and bumps that are normal anatomy and normal for you. Lumps on one side that last more than a week or two should be checked by a professional.
“Also check the back of the throat when saying ‘aah’ and look and feel the tongue – sides, underneath and on top – checking for changes in texture.
“Check the floor of mouth, roof of mouth and palate, gums and inside of lips and cheeks, looking for any white patched, red patched, unusual lumps or persistent ulcers, non-healing extraction sockets and any changes like thickening of areas.
“If you have any concerns visit your dentist to get it checked out.”
For more information on mouth cancer, its symptoms, and what you can do to help prevent it, visit www.mouthcancer.org