November – Mouth Cancer Action Month
If it wasn’t obvious from the calendar, it’ll now be clear from the whizzes and bangs in the sky: we’re in November.
And while the early part of the month is dominated by Bonfire Night, the whole month is also home to a hugely important cause that we’re deeply passionate about here at Brightside Dental:
Mouth Cancer Action Month.
Each November, this month helps raise awareness about one of the most serious but often overlooked types of cancer.
What Is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer (also called oral cancer) can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. Sadly, cases are rising in the UK, with thousands of new diagnoses every year. But here’s the good news: early detection saves lives.
When caught early, survival rates are much higher and treatment is often less invasive.
What puts you at risk of mouth cancer?
Factors that can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer include:
· Smoking or tobacco use (including chewing tobacco)
· Excessive alcohol consumption
· HPV infection (human papillomavirus)
· Poor diet (low in fruit and vegetables)
· Excessive sun exposure (especially affecting the lips)
Making healthier lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your risk.
Know the warning signs
Be aware of these key symptoms and never ignore them:
· Persistent mouth ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks
· Red or white patches in the mouth
· Lumps or thickening in the mouth or neck
· Unexplained bleeding, numbness, or pain
· Difficulty swallowing or changes in speech
You can learn how to perform a quick self-examination here. It only takes two minutes and it could save your life: https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/self-examination/
How we can help
At Brightside Dental, every dental assessment we do includes a mouth cancer screening, which means that every single time you visit us, you’re getting a checkup.
This simple, painless examination helps us spot any unusual changes or early warning signs.
Most of the time, everything is fine, but if we spot something concerning, we’ll make sure you get the right help straight away.
If you are overdue your dental assessment, you can book your appointment here: https://onlineappointment.carestack.uk/?dn=brightside&ln=1#/home
What you can do…
Awareness is one of our strongest tools against mouth cancer. This November, join us in spreading the message:
· Share this with your friends and family
· Talk about the importance of regular dental visits
· Encourage your friends and family to get checked if they have any symptoms
Together, let’s help catch mouth cancer early and save lives.
Ketan
