Join thousands of people worldwide in raising awareness of mouth cancer during the month of November. It is the largest campaign in the UK in support of education and awareness for a disease that affected 8,337 people in the UK alone in 2021. The U.S. numbers about 43,000 cases per year while worldwide the numbers are approximately 640,000 and rising.
And yet the number of people that develop cancer of the mouth is rising. Surprisingly, the fatalities from cancer of the mouth are higher than testicular cancer and cervical cancer combined. In fact, more mouth cancer patients are at risk of death than melanoma skin cancer, or cervical cancer patients.
The Oral Health Foundation has contributed almost £2 million in funding since its inception in 2000. As evidence of the importance of donations, the Foundation was able to create projects that encourage people to watch for precancerous conditions in the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and cheeks.
The majority of cases are associated with alcohol and tobacco and some aspects of tobacco chewing are especially dangerous. Over-exposure to sunlight increases lip cancer. Current reports associate HPV with cervical cancer.
The saying “what you don’t know won’t hurt you” definitely does not apply here. The more that is known about mouth cancer means more people can be saved from the disease. More people will recognize problems early and others will stop unhealthy habits. This will reduce their risk of developing mouth cancer.
For Example, Help Others to:
- Know the early signs of mouth cancer
- Have regular checkups
- Understand the cause of the disease
- Recognize unusual changes
- Act quickly to check with your dentist
- Check free downloads on the Foundation website
- Fundraising to support the Foundation and its charities
The Signs of Mouth Cancer
The mouth cancer may seem to be a harmless mouth ulcer that will not heal. It may appear as a red or white patch. Note any unusual lumps in the jaw area or anywhere in the mouth as well as persistent hoarseness. Visit your doctor or dentist if these areas do not heal in three weeks. If unsure always opt for a check-up.
The Value of Fundraising
As aforesaid donations help the Oral Health Foundation to foster awareness of mouth cancer. It is a tremendous effort. It affects people from all parts of the world. However, dedicated volunteers and their fundraising will gradually reverse the current upward trend and save many lives. Your help is urgently needed.
