Mouth & Throat Cancer: Open Wide!

Thames Valley Cancer Alliance (TVCA) is asking you to ‘Open Wide’ to check for signs of mouth cancer and to know the symptoms of throat cancer.

Almost half (46%[1]) of mouth cancer and around three quarters (73-88%[2]) of throat cancers are preventable if diagnosed early. Knowing the signs and seeing your dentist or GP about symptoms that last longer than three weeks is vital.

[1] Head and neck cancers statistics | Cancer Research UK

[2] Head and neck cancers statistics | Cancer Research UK

Three signs of mouth cancer that need action are:

ulcers which don’t heal
red and white patches in the mouth
unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or throat

And three symptoms of throat cancer that need attention are:

a hoarse voice
an unexplained lump in the neck
pain when swallowing

If you have any of these symptoms which continue for three or more weeks, see your dentist or your GP immediately. Early diagnosis saves lives!

Mrs Jennifer Graystone, TVCA Clinical Director, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, and Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust advises:

“Mouth cancer develops most commonly on the tongue, but also on the lips, gums, and cheeks. It’s usually seen in people aged 55+ – and in twice as many men as women.

“But there is also an increase in the number of younger people developing mouth and throat cancers caused by HPV. This virus is transmitted through oral sex and has links to mouth and throat cancers, as well as cervical cancer. Children in school Year 8 are now vaccinated against HPV – and it is free on the NHS to people up to age 25. Get your vaccination if you are eligible.”

Mr Priyamal Silva, TVCA Head & Neck Cancer Lead, and Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust says:

“Smoking and chewing tobacco and drinking excessive alcohol cause both mouth and throat cancers, as well as eating few or no fruit and vegetables. Quitting tobacco and betel nuts, reducing alcohol intake, and increasing fruit and vegetables in our diets can help prevent mouth and throat cancers.

“If you’ve had a sore throat, or a croaky voice for a few weeks, get it checked. If concerned, the GP will refer you for extra tests. Reassuringly, currently only 3–4% of people on the referral two week wait will be diagnosed with throat cancer. However, we want to reduce the 12,422[1] new cases diagnosed each year and the approximate 4,100[2] deaths per year from head and neck cancers.

“The key message is ‘don’t ignore symptoms, get them checked out, as early diagnosis improves outcomes’.”

For more information on how to detect signs and symptoms of mouth and throat cancers, visit the TVCA Mouth & Throat Cancers page.