Mouth Cancer Cases Rise Amid Late Diagnoses

Mouth cancer cases in the UK are rising dramatically, with over 10,825 diagnoses reported annually, a 133% increase over the past two decades. The Oral Health Foundation emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding symptoms like non-healing mouth ulcers and unusual lumps, as many are unaware of the main risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV. Public Health Wales warns that more than half of mouth cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, largely due to delayed medical consultations, particularly among men. A retired dentist, Bryan Webber, highlights the urgency of early detection, sharing his personal experience of rapid tumor growth despite early diagnosis. The report calls for increased awareness and routine dental visits to catch symptoms early, which could significantly improve survival rates. Health authorities stress that understanding risk factors and recognizing symptoms can save lives.