A new report by the Oral Health Foundation in the UK has highlighted some concerning figures surrounding both the prevalence of mouth cancer and the British public’s understanding of the disease and its symptoms. Released as part of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month, the research not only reveals a worrying lack of knowledge about how these conditions manifest but also argues strongly for the UK government to address the situation through a targeted awareness campaign.
It was a distinct lack of public awareness and understanding about the disease that marked a crucial aspect of the report. Although an encouraging 77% of adults across the UK appreciate the possibility of developing mouth cancer, public understanding about the symptoms and causes was poor. Awareness of the major signs and symptoms of mouth cancer is as low as 20%, and awareness of the major risk factors of mouth cancer is only 8%.
The report also shows a significant lack of awareness of key early warning signs. Only 43% of UK adults are aware that mouth ulcers lasting more than three weeks could indicate mouth cancer. Even fewer recognise the risks associated with lumps or swelling in the head, neck or mouth (42%), or with red patches (38%) or white patches (32%) in the mouth, and 24% are unable to identify any symptoms. To address this situation, the report insists upon a targeted government awareness campaign on mouth cancer.
From: https://www.dental-tribune.com/news/new-report-urges-greater-awareness-about-mouth-cancer/
