November means Mouth Cancer Awareness month; it’s time to remind everyone of how important it is to be vigilant for changes in the mouth. With over 7000 cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK every year, it’s becoming a significant issue. There are several key risk factors which are set out in the Mouth Cancer Action poster below. The majority of problems are related to lifestyle, so if we can make changes for the better, we are helping reduce our risk.
The key messages to remember are:
- Don’t leave a mouth ulcer unattended for more than three weeks.
- Don’t ignore any unusual lumps or swellings or red and white patches in your mouth.
- Regularly check your own mouth, lips, cheeks, head and neck for anything out of the ordinary.
We’re always here for you if there’s something unusual you’re concerned about; it’s never a wasted visit, even if it’s to confirm everything is fine, so speak to our reception team if you need us to take a look at something.
Mike