Check your mouth in fight against cancer (From Bournemouth Echo)

Check your mouth in fight against cancer

5:30pm Tuesday 24th November 2009

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EXPERT advice on a silent killer that claims hundreds of lives every year has been on hand in Poole.

Scores of residents made use of the free mouth cancer advice and oral heath checks, as part of the nationwide Mouth Cancer Awareness Week.

Poole Hospital’s team of clinical specialists hosted two drop-in clinics in the hospital’s outpatient department.

Meanwhile, the clinical team manned an information stand in the hospital and the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Early diagnosis of mouth cancer can improve survival chances by up to 90 per cent, yet many people are unaware of the risk factors and symptoms linked to the disease.

Poole Hospital oral and maxillofacial surgeon Parkash Ramchandani, said: “Treatments for mouth cancer have developed significantly over recent years, and Poole Hospital has an expert team of surgeons, physicians, specialist nurses, dentists, speech therapists and dieticians who can help.

“However, early detection is key to successful treatment and it is vital that people become aware of the symptoms they need to look out for.”

These include sores or mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks; white or red patches on the gums, tongue or mouth lining; difficulty swallowing, chewing or moving the tongue or jaw; numbness of the tongue.

Mr Ramchandani said: “People can significantly reduce their risk of contracting oral cancer by adopting a healthier lifestyle.

“Seventy five per cent of cases of mouth cancer are linked to risk factors such as smoking, drinking and eating unhealthily.

“Regular dental check ups are also extremely important, as your dentist will look out for early signs of mouth cancer.”

Visit www.mouthcancerfederation.org.uk or www.mouthcancer.org for more details.

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