Mouth cancer cases in England hit record levels, prompting urgent call for awareness
LONDON: Mouth cancer cases in England have reached their highest levels on record, according to new data released by NHS England. Experts are now calling for greater public awareness of early symptoms as both cases and deaths continue to rise.
The latest figures show that there were 9,293 new mouth cancer cases recorded across England last year — a 37% increase over the past decade and more than double the number reported a generation ago. Deaths have also risen sharply, with 2,970 people losing their lives, marking a 42% increase compared to ten years ago.
Growing concern over lack of awareness
Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said the statistics highlight the growing human and financial cost of mouth cancer.
Research by the charity reveals that nearly one in four people (23%) are unaware that cancer can develop in and around the mouth, while awareness of common warning signs is as low as one in five (20%).
Dr Carter emphasized that the issue goes beyond mortality rates.
“The true cost of mouth cancer isn’t just measured in lives lost. It’s in the pain, disfigurement, and emotional trauma survivors live with every day,” he said. “The fact that cases continue to rise while awareness remains so poor is deeply worrying. Far too many people still don’t know the warning signs or delay getting help.”
Warning signs and prevention
Health experts stress the importance of early detection and regular self-checks. Common symptoms of mouth cancer can include:
- Persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Lumps or swelling in the mouth, head, or neck area
Dr Carter urged the public to be “mouthaware” — regularly check their mouth and seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates and treatment outcomes.
The Oral Health Foundation continues to campaign for improved education and screening initiatives to help reverse the upward trend in mouth cancer cases and save lives.
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