The Oral Health Foundation issued a warning about the sharp increase in people being diagnosed with mouth cancer. They revealed 10,825 new cases are being diagnosed in the UK each year
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Health experts have warned that a deadly mouth cancer is on the rise – and suggested that a certain sex act has sparked an increase in cases.
The Oral Health Foundation revealed that the number of cases among Brits has reached a record-breaking high of 10,000 a year. Researchers stressed that HPV is one of the biggest risk factors for mouth cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, 70 per cent of cases of mouth and throat cancers are caused by HPV. And experts suspect that oral sex could have a part to play in the alarming rise in numbers.
Dr Hisham Mehanna, of the University of Birmingham, said people with several oral sex partners have an up to nine-fold increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers. He warned of “rapidly increasing throat cancer in the West” and told The Conversation that some people branded it “an epidemic”.
The charity, which released its new State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2024, revealed that 10,825 new cases of mouth cancer are being diagnosed in the UK annually – representing a 133% rise over the last 20 years.
Researchers shared that the surge is spearheaded by the diagnoses of people in their 40s and 50s. Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, warns of the growing threat mouth cancer poses to the population.
He said: “While many types of cancer are declining, mouth cancer continues to surge. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption remain significant risk factors, but we are seeing a growing number of cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and other emerging causes.
- An ulcer in your mouth that lasts longer than 3 weeks
- A red or white patch inside your mouth
- A lump inside your mouth or on your lip
- Pain inside your mouth
- Struggle with swallowing and speaking
- A lump in your neck or throat
- Losing weight without trying
“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%) in England are diagnosed in men, with those over-50 accounting for more than nine-in-ten (90%) of all cases. Around one-in-three (31%) of the diagnoses occur on the tongue, while around one-in-five (22%) 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.
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.
How to detect early diagnosis
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.
Dr Tannahill says: “Early diagnosis is critical in treating mouth cancer, yet we are still seeing cases being picked up far too late. 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 visit here.
