Plea to dentists to check for mouth cancer
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- Published: Friday, 08 March 2013 08:51
- Written by News Editor
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More dentists need to be checking their patients for mouth cancer, say experts. Cancer Research UK says oral cancer rates are going up and some dentists are missing an opportunity to spot those at risk. All dentists should be asking about risk factors like smoking or heavy drinking as well as early telltale signs in the mouth, says the charity.
By 2030 it is predicted there will be 9,200 cases of oral cancer in the UK every year compared with 6,240 in 2009. Oral cancer rates are continuing to rise in both men and women and in all age groups including the under 50s with more young people developing oral cancer than ever before.
Oral cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheek lining, gums, palate and floor of the mouth. The British Dental Association said dentists examine these areas as part of a routine dental check-up. Major risk factors include smoking and alcohol and a virus called HPV (human papilloma virus) which can infect the mouth as a result of oral sex.
In May, the British General Dental Council (GDC) made oral cancer detection a recommended, but not compulsory, subject. A GDC spokeswoman said the council has no current powers to introduce mandatory topics until new rules and guidelines come into force following an ongoing review.
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