Oral Cancer Screening and Awareness
During a routine dental examination, your dentist will check inside your mouth and may also examine areas of your face and neck for abnormalities. Detecting suspicious changes early can help ensure that patients are referred promptly for further investigation. The NHS provides guidance on mouth cancer, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Mouth cancer can appear in several ways, including:
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal after around three weeks
- A persistent red or white patch inside the mouth
- A lump or swelling in the mouth, jaw or neck
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing or moving the jaw or tongue
Most changes in the mouth will not be cancer, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should be checked by a dentist or doctor. Cancer Research UK provides further information about the symptoms of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer.
Risk factors associated with mouth cancer include smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and certain other lifestyle or medical factors. The NHS provides more information about the causes and risk factors for mouth cancer.
What are the benefits?
- Regular dental examinations give your dentist an opportunity to identify unusual changes in the mouth.
- Suspicious symptoms can be investigated and, where appropriate, referred for specialist assessment.
- Regular appointments can also help identify other oral health problems earlier.
Learn more about oral cancer screening
Your local dentist will check for cancer during a routine check-up.
Video: Warning Signs of Mouth Cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is a national charity supporting people affected by cancer. It provides information about cancer diagnosis and treatment alongside emotional, practical and financial support.
Macmillan also provides specific information about mouth cancer and the support available to patients.
Information about local services, cancer support and ways to contact Macmillan can be found on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.