By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 13:56, Monday, 16 November 2009

A Penrith dentist is offering free oral cancer checks to all – not just patients registered on their books.

Dental surgeons Rachel Gibson and John Lewis

Staff at Ghyllmount Dental Practice are running the initiative until the end of November in support of Mouth Cancer Action Month.

The national campaign, run by the British Dental Health Foundation and Denplan, aims to raise awareness about mouth cancer and encourage early diagnosis.

Symbolised by a blue ribbon, it calls on dentists, pharmacists and health professionals to spread the message ‘if in doubt, get checked out’.

Rachel Gibson, a dentist from Ghyllmount Dental Practice, in Hobson Court, said a simple check can save lives.

“Every five hours someone dies of mouth cancer in the UK,” she explained.

“Statistics from Cancer Research UK show that 5,325 new cases were diagnosed in 2006 – that is more than cervical and testicular cancer combined and an increase of 41 per cent over the last decade. Yet very few people have ever heard of the disease.

“As oral healthcare professionals we are keen to highlight that if in any doubt at all about white or red patches in the mouth or mouth ulcers that do not heal, then please see your dentist without delay. Early detection transforms survival chances to more than 90 per cent,” she added.

Statistics show the number of mouth cancer cases recorded annually have risen significantly in the past 10 years.

A third of these cancers are found in the mouth cavity and a quarter on the tongue.

Figures show that 1,851 people died from mouth cancer in 2007. Under half of those diagnosed survive beyond five years.

However, about 70 per cent of mouth cancers are detected at a late stage, which reduces the chances of survival.

Early detection, on the other hand, means a 90 per cent chance of survival.

Symptoms include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual changes, lumps and swellings in the mouth. Any of these should be checked out immediately by a dentist.

To book your free oral cancer screening at Ghyllmount Dental Practice call the team on 01768 862291.

• Tobacco and alcohol are the main risk factors, accounting for about three quarters of mouth cancers

• People who both drink and use tobacco are up to 30 times more likely to get it

• Chewing tobacco is even more dangerous

• People aged 40 and over are most likely to get it, though increasing numbers of young people are being diagnosed

• Fifty years ago mouth cancer was five times more common in men than women. Now it is only twice as common

• Poor diet is linked to around a third of cases

• New research suggests the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is transmitted through oral sex, is set to become a leading risk

First published at 11:37, Monday, 16 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk