By spotting mouth cancer early, we have a much better chance of beating it. Most mouth cancers aren’t caught until stage four, and this makes treatment and recovery more complex.
During Mouth Cancer Action Month we are promoting the message ‘if in doubt, get checked out’. We encourage everybody to be mouthaware and pay close attention to what’s going on with their mouth.
Look out for:
Non healing ulcers
Red or white patches
An ulcer that has been there more than three weeks
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor to get it checked by a professional.
How to check your mouth
A mouth cancer check can be done at home and it takes less than one minute. Here is a step-by-step diagram for you to follow.
Look at your lips
Look at your top and bottom lip for any changes, red or white patches, ulcers, or lumps.
Feel your lips
Feel your lips and the inside of your cheek for any lumps or swelling using your thumb and index finger.
Look at your tongue
Hold your tongue, pull it out, and check the sides.
Then, lift up your tongue up and check underneath.
Check the roof of your mouth and tonsils
Tip your head back and check the roof of your mouth for any changes.
Then, flatten your tongue to check the back of your throat and tonsils.
You can also watch the video below.
How else can mouth cancer be spotted early?
Dentists check for mouth cancer as part of your normal check-up, sometimes without you even realising.
In the below video, Oral Health Foundation Past President and spokesperson, Dr Ben Atkins, talks through what to expect from a visual mouth cancer check.