Did you know that every three hours, one person in the UK dies of mouth cancer? Add to that, the fact that incidence of mouth cancer has risen by 25% over the last ten years and it makes for quite shocking statistics.

So it’s encouraging to hear that the Island’s NHS Oral Health Promotion Team will be carrying out Free Mouth Cancer Screening across the Island in a couple of weeks time.

Mouth Cancer Action Week takes place during 15 – 22 November and a mobile dental screening unit will be touring the Island offering free screening as well as advice and information.

Janet Cuoghi, Oral Health Promotion Practitioner, says: “We are encouraging Islanders to take action against mouth cancer. It is important that everyone examines their mouth on a regular basis. If you have an ulcer that hasn’t healed or notice any unusual changes in the mouth, you should tell your dentist or GP immediately. As with all cancers, early detection is critical and can increase survival chances considerably. It allows for simpler treatment and results in a better quality of life for sufferers.

“A major cause is tobacco, including smoking cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco, as well as excessive alcohol consumption. Both tobacco and alcohol can damage the tissue inside the mouth, triggering cell changes that can lead to cancer.”

Where to get free screening
Freshwater Moa Place car park – Monday 16th Nov from 9.30 to 3.30

East Cowes outside the Town Hall – Tuesday 17th November from 9.30 to 3.30

Ryde outside Somerfield – Wednesday 18th November from 9.30 to 3.30

Ventnor Winter Gardens car park – Thursday 19th November from 9.30 to 3.30

Newport St James square – Friday 20th November from 9.30 to 3.30

To book an appointment for mouth cancer screening, please ring 08444 773301

What to look out for
If you’re unsure of what to look out for in relation to mouth cancer, symptoms to look out for include:

· Mouth ulcer or red or white patches anywhere in the mouth, or tongue,
· that do not heal,
· A lump or swelling in your mouth jaw or neck that persists for more than three weeks,
· Difficulty in swallowing, chewing or moving tongue or jaw
· Unexplained loosening of teeth with no obvious dental cause or reason,
· A swelling of the jaw that causes denture to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
· A numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.
· A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
· A chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists more than 6 weeks
· 5 year survival rate has hardly improved (50% overall) for the last few decades but early detection greatly improves prognosis.

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