Highclere Dental Practice brings Mouth Cancer Action Month to Knaphill, Woking Surrey

Highclere Dental Practice is helping to raise awareness of mouth cancer in Knaphill, Woking by organising free screening sessions.

In the UK mouth cancer is diagnosed in more than 6,500 people annually and kills around 2,000 people each year – one death every five hours.

Highclere Dental Practice is opening its doors for free oral screening examinations. All are invited to come along and receive a professional check-up which can help save lives in mouth cancer cases.

Dr Lee commented: “We are delighted to get involved in Mouth Cancer Action Month in Knaphill, Woking. It is vital that people are aware of the risks and are checked regularly for signs of mouth cancer – early detection saves lives.

Mouth Cancer Action features the tagline ‘If in doubt, get checked out’ and urges members of the public to visit their dentist for an oral screening.

Professional check-ups and regular self-examinations are the best route to early detection of mouth cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives, improving survival chances from just half of cases to more than 90 per cent.

Early warning signs include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual changes in the mouth.

Mouth Cancer Action also aims to raise awareness of a disease which has remained under reported for too long. Prevention is key and lifestyle choices can help minimise risks.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of campaign organisers the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Highclere Dental Practice has joined the many dental practices, schools, health professionals and community groups promoting Mouth Cancer Action. Free screening events and open days

“Three-quarters of cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol so it is important that smokers are encouraged to quit and alcohol is consumed in moderation.

“The human papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted via oral sex, and poor diets are also linked to mouth cancer. Worryingly the disease is also now affecting a younger group of people and many more who display none of the traditional risk factors. Early diagnosis can really make the difference so make sure you visit a dentist regularly and check your mouth as often as possible – it could just save your life.”

For more information about the campaign please visit the website: www.mouthcancer.org.

You can find more information on mouth cancer at the website www.mouthcancer.org