People are being warned to look out for a ‘red flag’ symptom of cancer that you’ll only spot when brushing your teeth.
The warning comes as the number of mouth cancer cases in the UK has hit an all-time high, surpassing 10,000 cases for the first time ever.
New data collected by the Oral Health Foundation has found that 10,825 new cases of mouth cancer are being diagnosed in the UK every year – a 133% rise over the last 20 years.
The charity’s 2024 report revealed that 66% of mouth cancers in England are diagnosed in men, with those aged over 50 accounting for 90% of all cases.
The findings have prompted health experts to issue a warning over mouth cancer symptoms to help people spot the signs early – and the main symptom is one you’ll only notice while brushing your teeth.
According to the Oral Health Foundation, one-in-three (31%) of all mouth cancer diagnoses occur on the tongue. The key warning sign to look for is any white patches on your tongue or the inside of your mouth.
The second most common sign is found in the tonsils, which accounts for one-in-five (22%) mouth cancer diagnoses, while other affected areas include the lips, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, and the inside of your cheeks.
Mouth cancer can cause mouth ulcers that do not heal, red or white patches in the mouth, and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head, or neck.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, warns: “While many types of cancer are declining, mouth cancer continues to surge. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption remain significant risk factors, but we are seeing a growing number of cases linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and other emerging causes. Mouth cancer can affect anyone, and the impact on a person’s life can be devastating.
“We need to raise awareness of the symptoms, the risk factors, and most importantly, the importance of early detection. Too many cases are diagnosed too late, often at the most advanced stage. This needs to change.”
The NHS says that mouth cancer can affect any part of your mouth and to look out for any of the following symptoms:
a mouth ulcer in your mouth that lasts more than three weeks
a red or white patch inside your mouth
a lump inside your mouth or on your lip
pain inside your mouth
difficulty swallowing
difficulty speaking or a hoarse voice
a lump in your neck or throat
losing weight without trying
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but the NHS advises getting checked by a GP or a dentist just in case as finding cancer early can make it easier to treat.
It’s not always possible to prevent mouth cancer, but eating a healthy diet of five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, exercising, drinking less than 14 units of alcohol per week, and quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can lower your risk.
