Beki and Jess Choose occupational health carlisle blue lips mouth cancer blue wednesday november 2018

Blue Wednesday: Mouth Cancer Awareness Day

Forget the Moody Blues, the Monday blues and the post-holiday blues. This November, we are all about Blue Wednesday. Pop down to Choose OH HQ this week and you’ll find us supporting Mouth Cancer Awareness Day, part of a wider initiative that runs throughout the month.

According to latest figures from Cancer Research UK, almost 8,000 people are diagnosed every year in this country alone. Mouth Cancer (or oropharyngeal cancer as it also known) can be devastating and can affect speech, eating and breathing. Survival rates vary wildly but early detection is key with research showing that it can result in a survival outcome of 90%.

Key symptoms to look out for:

Ulcers that do not heal. Watch out for broken areas in the lining of the mouth that don’t go away. If it has been present for 3 weeks, see your dentist or your GP.

Pain in your mouth. Pain or discomfort that doesn’t recede should be checked out. This is the most common symptom of mouth cancer.

Red or white patches in the mouth or throat. Areas that do not rub off could be a sign of cancer or precancerous changes. White patches are called leukoplakia. Red patches are called erythroplakia.

Difficulty swallowing. This could be a burning sensation or pain when you swallow or chew food. You may also feel that food is sticking in your throat.

Speech problems. Look out for changes in your voice. You may speak more quietly or develop huskier tones. Your voice may have a nasal quality or sound like you have a permanent cold. Some people may slur their words or struggle to pronounce certain sounds.

A lump in your neck. Cancerous lumps increase in size and don’t go away. Make an appointment with your GP.

Weight loss. This is a common symptom with all types of cancer but can be more pronounced in those that have mouth cancer as they may find eating and swallowing, painful or uncomfortable.

Bad breath.

You should also watch out for abnormal changes in your mouth such as a lump or thickening of your lip, a lump in your mouth or throat, unusual bleeding or numbness in your mouth, loose teeth or difficulty moving your jaw.

We do not know what causes mouth cancer but there are certain risk factors that can increase your chance of contracting it.

*Smoking. Research suggests that more than 60% of mouth and oropharyngeal cancers in the UK are caused by smoking.

*Alcohol. Research shows around 30% of mouth and oropharyngeal cancers are caused by drinking alcohol.

*Smoking and drinking together further increases the risk of cancer more than either by itself.

Chewing tobacco

Diet. A diet low in fruit and vegetables (and therefore low in vitamins and minerals) may increase your risk of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) The HPV virus can cause changes in the mouth and throat making them more likely to become cancerous in the future. The risk of HPV in the mouth and throat is linked to certain sexual behaviours, such as oral sex, and having a higher number of sexual partners. Many experts believe that this will take over from tobacco as the main cause of mouth cancer within the next decade. Campaigners have been actively lobbying the NHS to widen the HPV vaccination programme to include boys and they were recently successful so that in the near future boys aged 13 will be offered to be vaccinated against the HPV virus.

Weak immune system. People who are particularly at risk include those having treatment for HIV or AIDS and anyone who has recently had an organ transplant.

Sunlight and sunbeds. Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds can cause skin cancer. Skin cancer can develop on the lip.

Previous cancer. If you have already had a mouth cancer you have an increased risk of getting a second one.

Family history. Early research suggests that you may be more at risk if you have a close relative who has been diagnosed.

Genetic conditions. People with certain conditions caused by inherited cell changes (mutations) have an increased risk.

If you think you may be at risk, you should regularly check your mouth for any oral changes and have regular checks at the dentist (at least, annually). If you have specific concerns, make an appointment with your GP.

Mouth cancer can affect anyone. Danny Baker. Michael Douglas. Rod Stewart. John Diamond. And people very close to our Choose OH team.

In 2017 we organised a fundraising Word of Mouth Charity Ball raising over £5,000 for the Mouth Cancer Action Group. Our Blue Wednesday activities will continue in the same vein – helping to raise awareness of this potentially devastating condition.

Will You Join Us? #BlueWednesday

Check out the Oral Health Foundation’s Blue Wednesday campaign to see how you can help.

Help your employees to be aware of the risks by running an onsite health promotion with surveillance services and signposting. We also offer bespoke training courses for managers to help support workers who may be experiencing life limiting conditions or caring for family members.

Call us today on 01228 513687 to see how we can help.