Why is Cancer Research UK running a mouth cancer campaign?

Mouth cancer is a growing problem

Mouth cancer is a growing problem in the UK. Doctors diagnose over 4,750 people with the disease every year and this number is increasing.

Often the disease is diagnosed at a late stage and as a result survival rates for mouth cancer are poor.

Early detection could save lives

There are often early warning signs in the mouth before full-blown mouth cancer develops. A doctor or dentist can spot these signs when they look in your mouth. In fact, mouth cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect.

When doctors diagnose mouth cancer early, treatment is much simpler. Around 90% of patients with early stage mouth cancer will survive for longer than two years. However, currently only 60% of patients survive past two years. Early treatment is also much less likely to cause problems with a patient’s appearance, speaking and eating.

Many people have never heard of mouth cancer

Unfortunately most patients only realise they have a problem when they have had mouth cancer for a while. Sadly this means their cancer is much harder to treat.

Very few people know the early warning signs for mouth cancer and understand the importance of seeking help without delay. Our campaign is working to change this situation.

Changes to lifestyle could prevent mouth cancer

Most mouth cancers are caused by smoking or chewing tobacco or betel nut and drinking alcohol. The quality of your diet also plays a role.

Cancer Research UK is working with the government and other organisations to encourage people to stop using tobacco and betel nut and reduce their alcohol intake. Eventually this might reduce the number of cases of mouth cancer in the UK.

 A - Z index
 Contact us
 Donate now
 Glossary
 Print this page