Did you know that over 5,300 new cases of mouth cancer a year are diagnosed in the UK? The number of annual mouth cancer cases increased by a staggering 41% in the last decade. Early detection transforms survival chances to more than 90%.
Know the risks – so prevention is the key.
So what are the risk factors? Well, tobacco use and drinking alcohol are the main risk factors and account for around three in four mouth cancers. People who both drink and use tobacco to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop the condition. A poor diet can also be a risk factor; increasing evidence also suggests that Omega 3, found in foods such as eggs and fish can help lower risks, as can foods in high fibre such as whole-wheat pasta and brown rice. Chewing tobacco– Although some people believe this is safer than smoking, the reality is it is much more dangerous. The human papilloma virus HPV has recently been identified as a risk factor particularly in younger people.
“ The warning signs for mouth cancer are ulcers which do not heal in 3 weeks, red and hite patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth,” says Dr Rashid at Time Dental,” the best thing you can do is see your dentist on a regular basis as we are in the best position to identify things early. At Time Dental we make it routine to carry out an oral cancer screening at every examination”
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