NHS Shetland and Clan Cancer Support are joining forces during November to increase understanding of mouth cancer, encourage good oral health and ensure people know what changes to look out for.
Throughout Mouth Cancer Action Month, a series of free information and awareness sessions will take place at Islesburgh Community Centre in Lerwick, giving people the opportunity to access advice and learn more about mouth cancer and oral health.
Last year, over 10,800 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK, a figure that has risen by almost 50% over the last decade, and sadly around 3,600 people* also lost their lives to the disease. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes, making it important that people know what to look out for and seek advice if they notice anything unusual.
The campaign, led by the Oral Health Foundation, encourages everyone to be “Mouth Aware” by regularly checking their mouth and knowing the signs and symptoms that should be investigated.
Angela Hopwood, Oral Health Improvement Team Joint Lead at NHS Shetland, said: “Mouth cancer is one of the cancers where we can all play an active part in spotting the early signs.
“We’re encouraging everyone in Shetland over the age of 16 to become familiar with what is normal for them, and to seek advice if they notice any unusual changes in their mouth, throat or neck. While mouth cancer predominantly affects people over the age of 55, we are also seeing cases in younger people.
“Most changes will not be cancer, but it’s important not to ignore anything unusual. Early detection really can save lives.”
Joanna Smith, Clan Shetland Area Service Coordinator, said: "We're pleased to be partnering with NHS Shetland to deliver these sessions throughout Mouth Cancer Action Month. Clan is based at Islesburgh Community Centre, which provides an ideal location for people to drop in, ask questions and learn more about mouth cancer and oral health.
"Early detection can make a real difference and, through this partnership, we're not only helping to raise awareness of mouth cancer but also ensuring people know where they can turn to for support. At Clan, we are here for anyone impacted by cancer at any stage of their experience, and these community sessions provide an opportunity to connect more people across Shetland with our services."
People should look out for ulcers that do not heal within two to three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head or neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or unexplained pain.
Smoking and chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV), excessive exposure to sunlight for cancers of the lip, and poor diet and nutrition can increase the risk of mouth cancer. However, mouth cancer can also occur without obvious risk factors, which is why everyone is encouraged to check their mouth regularly.
As part of the month, Wednesday 18 November – Blue Wednesday - will be a particular focus, as it will encourage people to carry out a self-check. Lerwick Town Hall will also be lit blue to help raise awareness.
NHS Shetland’s Oral Health Team and Clan Cancer Support Shetland will be holding a number of free events throughout November:
Advice and information drop-in sessions
- Monday 2 November, 11am to 1pm – Room 13, Islesburgh Community Centre
- Monday 9 November, 2pm to 4pm – Room 13, Islesburgh Community Centre
- Monday 23 November, 2pm to 4pm – Room 13, Islesburgh Community Centre
Oral Care for Cancer Patients
- Wednesday 18 November,11am – 1pm– Room 13, Islesburgh Community Centre
Mouth Cancer Talk
- Wednesday 11 November, 5pm to 6.30pm – Room 9, Islesburgh Community Centre
People can carry out a simple self-check at home using a mirror in a well-lit room. Look and feel for any unusual lumps, swellings, sores, ulcers or colour changes around the face, neck, lips and mouth, remembering to check the gums, cheeks, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth.
Anyone who notices a change that does not go away, including an ulcer lasting more than two to three weeks, a red or white patch, unexplained lump or swelling, persistent pain or hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing or chewing, should seek advice from their dentist or contact their GP.
More information, including a video showing how to carry out a self-check, is available from the Mouth Cancer Foundation. Self Examination | Mouth Cancer Foundation in UK
Key messages for Mouth Cancer Action Month include:
- Be mouth aware
- Carry out regular self-checks
- Early detection saves lives
- Remove the doubt, get checked out
Additional resources:
- Mouth cancer | NHS inform
- Symptoms | Mouth Cancer Foundation in UK
- Last year, over 10,800 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK, a figure that has risen by almost 50% over the last decade, and sadly around 3,600 people* also lost their lives to the disease - Oral Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Guidance
- Clan Cancer Support (registered Scottish Charity, No.SC022606)