Menu
26/09/2012
Call For Dentists To Perform Oral Cancer Checks
Calls are being made for more dentists to check their patients for mouth cancer.
Oral cancer rates are going up and some dentists are missing an opportunity to spot those at risk, according to Cancer Research UK.
The charity says all dentists should be asking about risk factors like smoking or heavy drinking as well as looking for early telltale signs in the mouth.
By 2030 it is predicted there will be 9,200 cases of oral cancer in the UK every year compared with 6,240 in 2009.
Oral cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheek lining, gums, palate and floor of the mouth.
Major risk factors include smoking and alcohol and a virus called HPV (human pappiloma virus) which can infect the mouth as a result of oral sex.
Hazel Nunn, Cancer Research UK's head of health evidence and information, said: "Too often oral cancer is found at a late stage when treatment is devastating and the chances of survival are poor.
"Dental teams are in a unique position to help detect oral cancer in its earlier stages when it's easier to treat and the outlook is greatly improved.
"If a dentist is looking at someone's teeth and knows this person smokes 50 cigarettes a day and drinks well above the recommended amount, he might look that extra bit more carefully."
Early diagnosis and treatment can increase a patient's chances of survival from just below 50% to about 90%.
(H)
Oral cancer rates are going up and some dentists are missing an opportunity to spot those at risk, according to Cancer Research UK.
The charity says all dentists should be asking about risk factors like smoking or heavy drinking as well as looking for early telltale signs in the mouth.
By 2030 it is predicted there will be 9,200 cases of oral cancer in the UK every year compared with 6,240 in 2009.
Oral cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheek lining, gums, palate and floor of the mouth.
Major risk factors include smoking and alcohol and a virus called HPV (human pappiloma virus) which can infect the mouth as a result of oral sex.
Hazel Nunn, Cancer Research UK's head of health evidence and information, said: "Too often oral cancer is found at a late stage when treatment is devastating and the chances of survival are poor.
"Dental teams are in a unique position to help detect oral cancer in its earlier stages when it's easier to treat and the outlook is greatly improved.
"If a dentist is looking at someone's teeth and knows this person smokes 50 cigarettes a day and drinks well above the recommended amount, he might look that extra bit more carefully."
Early diagnosis and treatment can increase a patient's chances of survival from just below 50% to about 90%.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 November 2005
Alcohol contributing to mouth cancer rise, report claims
Alcohol is contributing to a rise in mouth cancer cases in the UK, but few people are aware that it is a risk factor for the disease, a survey has warned. Cancer Research UK said that cases of mouth cancer have risen by a quarter over the past ten years – from 3,411 in 1992 to 4,285 in 2001.
Alcohol contributing to mouth cancer rise, report claims
Alcohol is contributing to a rise in mouth cancer cases in the UK, but few people are aware that it is a risk factor for the disease, a survey has warned. Cancer Research UK said that cases of mouth cancer have risen by a quarter over the past ten years – from 3,411 in 1992 to 4,285 in 2001.
28 May 2010
Poor Oral Care Cardiac Link Established
Poor oral hygiene can be deadly - and not just because of 'killer' bad breathe.
Poor Oral Care Cardiac Link Established
Poor oral hygiene can be deadly - and not just because of 'killer' bad breathe.
04 April 2014
Excessive Use Of Mouth Wash May Cause Cancer
Poor oral health and failure to have regular dental checks could increase the risk of mouth and throat cancer, according to a pan-European study. The research also suggests – based on a small number of tumour patients – that excessive use of mouthwash may also cause this particular form of cancer.
Excessive Use Of Mouth Wash May Cause Cancer
Poor oral health and failure to have regular dental checks could increase the risk of mouth and throat cancer, according to a pan-European study. The research also suggests – based on a small number of tumour patients – that excessive use of mouthwash may also cause this particular form of cancer.
14 August 2009
Women Should Use Safer 'Pill': BMJ
Many women are not using the safest brands of oral contraceptive pill with regard to the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, finds a study published on bmj.com today.
Women Should Use Safer 'Pill': BMJ
Many women are not using the safest brands of oral contraceptive pill with regard to the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, finds a study published on bmj.com today.
12 January 2005
Cancer charity research reveals ignorance of cancer risk in UK
A large proportion of British people are ignorant about cancer risk factors, a survey conducted by a leading UK cancer charity has revealed. The report, commissioned by Cancer Research UK, shows that there is widespread confusion over what factors increase the risk of the disease, which is Britain's biggest killer.
Cancer charity research reveals ignorance of cancer risk in UK
A large proportion of British people are ignorant about cancer risk factors, a survey conducted by a leading UK cancer charity has revealed. The report, commissioned by Cancer Research UK, shows that there is widespread confusion over what factors increase the risk of the disease, which is Britain's biggest killer.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
