In support of Mouth Cancer Action Month this November, NHS Shetland’s Public Dental Service is once again raising awareness of mouth cancer as cases in Scotland continue to rise.
The latest available figures from 2020 show that over 880 people in Scotland were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year. This has increased by 16% compared with 10 years ago.
Although often linked to lifestyle factors like smoking, excess alcohol, poor diets and HPV (human papilloma virus), it is not fully understood why mouth cancer cases are increasing.
Unfortunately, mouth cancer is often not detected until it is at Stage 4, where it is at its most advanced. This makes treatment more complex and reduces the chances of survival. For this reason, mouth cancer campaigners are encouraging everyone to carry out regular self-checks at home, for any of the signs or symptoms of mouth cancer.
Angela Hopwood, Oral Health Improvement Nurse said: “We are asking people in Shetland to be #MouthAware. Using this hashtag on social media will also provide further information about preventing mouth cancer. Get to know your mouth, by carrying out a simple check of your mouth just once a month. Find out what is “normal” for you and for anything unusual or of concern, please see your GP or a dentist urgently. It can greatly reduce the risks of late diagnosis. All you need is a bathroom mirror and a decent light source.
“What you should be looking for are any non-healing mouth ulcers that last longer than two to three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth or throat, any lumps, bumps or swellings or unexplained pain or discomfort or difficulty eating, speaking or swallowing. Often these may be nothing to worry about, but it is always best to get them examined. No doctor or dentist is going to think that you are wasting their time so ‘If in doubt, get checked out’.
“Mouth cancer, although not always, is often linked to lifestyle factors. These include tobacco use, and excessive drinking of alcohol which combined with smoking can increase the risk by up to 30 times. The full reason for this is not fully understood however it appears that alcohol increases the rate at which nicotine is absorbed into the oral soft tissues. Poor diets low in fresh fruit and vegetables are also a concern as is the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) which is transmitted through oral sex. Excessive sunlight is also a factor in cancers of the lip, especially for those who spend time outdoors like builders or crofters.
“To reduce your risk of mouth cancer, we encourage everyone to drink within recommended limits, if you smoke, stop (contact Quit Your Way at Healthy Shetland on 01595 807494 for support), eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, practice safer sex and wear lip salve with an SPF of at least 20 when spending extended periods outdoors.
“Traditionally mouth cancer has been most common in men over the age of 55, however, we are now seeing cases in much younger adults of both sexes, so it is vital that everyone is aware of any unusual changes within their mouths.”
To support this year’s campaign, the Public Dental Service is also offering free mouth cancer screening clinics for anyone with concerns, whether they are registered with a dentist or not.
These will be held in Brae and in Lerwick on Thursday 7 November by appointment only: To book a morning screening appointment at the Brae Dental Clinic, please phone 01806 522461
To book an afternoon screening appointment at the Gilbert Bain Hospital Dental Suite, please phone 01595 743200.
To find out more information about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit
Mouth Cancer Action Month | Home | Oral Health Foundation
To watch a short video on how to carry out a self-check, visit:
www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/self-examination/
ABOUT MOUTH CANCER ACTION MONTH
Every November, the Oral Health Foundation organises and runs Mouth Cancer Action Month, under the message ‘If in doubt, get checked out’. Our campaign has become an influential springboard in educating the public about mouth cancer, highlighting the risks, symptoms and causes of the disease.
The campaign is about taking action and raising awareness, particularly among those groups who are most at risk. We want people to look out for ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, are red and white patches in the mouth, and have unusual lumps or swellings while encouraging them to carry out regular self-checks for signs of mouth cancer.
By working closely with dental and health professionals and supporting them in their activities with patients and local communities, we continue to increase mouth cancer awareness and save lives through early detection.
Mouth Cancer Action Month is also supported by the Mouth Cancer Foundation.
For further information, please visit Mouth Cancer Action Month | Home | Oral Health Foundation