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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is encouraging people to be aware of the causes and symptoms of mouth cancer during Mouth Cancer Awareness Week - Sunday 11 to Saturday 17 November 2007.
In Northern Ireland approximately 145 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year, with about one third dying from the disease. In the UK, one individual dies every five hours from mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer is a malignant growth, which can occur in or on any part of the mouth, tongue or lips. It can often present itself as a painless ulcer that does not heal or less often, a red or white patch in the mouth.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said:
"Mouth cancer is curable if treated in its early stages, but it is also preventable. During mouth cancer awareness week we want to alert people to the main risk factors for this disease as well as the signs and symptoms.
"Smoking is by far the most important risk factor associated with mouth cancer – so our advice is to stop as soon as possible. There is help available for anyone who wants to quit and smokers can quadruple their chances of success if they combine pharmacological therapies with stop smoking support services.
"UCF has provided almost 30 clinics, supported by the Eastern Health & Social Services Board in the last year and has helped over 50% of those attending to stop smoking within four weeks.
"In recent years UCF has trained 200 local dentists on the importance of smoking cessation as a means of preventing mouth cancer. Regular dental check ups also ensure that the dentist will notice any early warning signs of mouth cancer.
"Drinking excess alcohol also increases the risk of developing mouth cancer and people who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop this condition. The message is clear – stop smoking, reduce your intake of alcohol, eat a healthy diet with at least 5 daily servings of vegetables and fruit and go to your dentist on a regular basis to help reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer."
Mouth cancer can appear in different forms in the mouth; however, it most often appears as a painless ulcer that doesn’t heal. Gerry McElwee continued,
"It is important to examine your mouth on a regular basis, if you have an ulcer that hasn’t healed after three weeks, or any unusual changes such as a red or white patch in your mouth you should arrange an appointment with your dentist or GP."
If you have any concerns about cancer please call UCF’s free cancer information and support helpline on 0800 783 3339 which operates Mon – Fri from 9am – 5pm or alternatively you can email your queries or concerns to infocis@ulstercancer.org
Anyone wanting to attend the stop smoking support clinics can either be referred by their GP or can contact Bernie Neeson at UCF on Tel. 028 9066 3281 for information on their nearest support clinic. Stop smoking services are also available in some GP practices and pharmacies across Northern Ireland. For your nearest service call Tel. 0800 85 85 85.
UCF Stop Smoking clinics are available at the following venues:
Shankill Health Centre, Tuesday, 2.00 – 6.00pm
Skegoneill Avenue Health Centre, Tuesday, 5.00 – 7.30pm
Clifton Street Surgery, Wednesday, 2.00 – 5.30pm
Ligoniel Health Centre, Friday, 1.00 – 5.00pm
Ulster Cancer Foundation, Wednesday, 7.00 – 9.00pm
May Street, Thursday, 12.00 – 2pm (by appointment)
Lisburn Health Centre, Monday, 1.00 – 6.00pm
Woodbrooke Medical Centre, Stewartstown Road, Thursday, 2.00 - 5.00pm
Glenavy Family Practice, Friday, 2.00 – 5.00pm
Regency Health Centre, Newtownards, Thursday, 1.30 – 5.30pm
Donaghadee Health Centre, Thursday, 2.00 – 6.00pm
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