Advice on how to spot cancer
EVENTS are being held this month to help people learn how to check for the signs of mouth cancer.
Last year in the UK, more than 8,300 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer.
Diagnoses have increased by 49 per cent in the Past decade, and by 135 per cent compared with 20 years ago.
Signs include persistent mouth pain, discoloured patches in the mouth that will not go away, longlasting ulcers, and lumps.
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol increase chances of developing mouth cancer.
Throughout this month, the city council’s oral health team is hosting drop-in events at various locations.
The next will be at Highfields
Children’s Centre on Wednesday, from 10am to 11.30am.
Assistant mayor for public health Councillor Vi Dempster said: “The key message is: if in doubt, get checked out, as early detection can make a big difference.
“Almost nine in 10 British adults have now heard of mouth cancer – but only 8 per cent are confident about their knowledge of it.”