As part of our ongoing support of promoting health issues with Powys teaching Health Board, this week we have teamed up with its Community Dental Health team to encourage readers to get checked for mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer is a disease that can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. There were 350 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in Wales in 2010 and over 6,500 cases across the UK annually.
When you visit your Dentist they will check for signs of mouth cancer. Even if you do not have teeth, you are encouraged you to visit your dentist so your mouth can be checked.
The causes can be smoking, drinking in excess, unhealthy diet, over exposure to sunlight and the human papillomavirus.
Dr Alan Mighell, President of the British Society for Oral Medicine, said: “Oral cancer is one of the most serious conditions that the Dental Team can come across. Too often oral cancer is found at a late stage when treatment is devastating and the chances of survival are poor.” Early detection is vital for successful treatment; the signs and symptoms include: ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and any unusual lumps or swellings.”
So the clear advice as always is: If in doubt, get checked out!