YOUNGSTERS 'AT RISK OF MOUTH CANCER'

Mouth cancer cases could could soar because young people are drinking
and smoking more, dentists have warned.

Each year in the UK there are around 4,300 new cases of mouth cancer,
which affects the lips, tongue, cheek and throat, and 1,700 deaths.

But despite this many people are unaware that alcohol is one of the
major risk factors for the disease, research has revealed.

A survey of more than 200 dentists found that 85% believed the trend
in increased alcohol consumption and tobacco use among those aged
18-30 would lead to an increase in mouth cancer.

More than half of dentists (55%) also said they feared that cannabis
declassification would add to the number of people being struck by
mouth cancer.

A poll of over 1,000 people, carried out by Denplan, found that only
33% of women and 28% of men were aware that alcohol was a major risk
factor for the disease.

The research came ahead of Mouth Cancer Awareness Week, which runs
from November 7-13, co-ordinated by the British Dental Health
Foundation and supported by Denplan.

Less than a third of people (31%) believed that drinking alcohol
increased the chances of getting mouth cancer.

But experts believe that excessive alcohol consumption can increase
the risk of mouth cancer by up to 30 times.

Dentists are specially trained to detect early signs of mouth cancer
which may not always be seen by the patient, such as sores, white
patches or lumps in the mouth.

But as growing numbers find it more difficult to find an NHS dentist,
many people are not going for check-ups on a regular basis.

Dr Henry Clover, dental advisory at Denplan, said: "It is deeply
worrying that the risks associated with mouth cancer are either
extremely poorly publicised or just plain ignored, especially with
regards to alcohol.

"There is also a risk that cannabis declassification and the lifestyle
of the 18-30 age group could increase prevalence in the future.

"Alcohol is a carcinogen, a cancer-causing substance, and dentists
overwhelmingly think men and women are lining up for problems
including mouth cancer if they continue as they are."

Early detection plays a major part in surviving mouth cancer, with the
chances of survival increase from 50% to 90% if it is treated fast
enough.

Dr Nigel Carter said: "The first sign of mouth cancer is often an
ulcer that doesn't heal or a red or white patch in the mouth.

"Many people choose to ignore these symptoms but anyone who has had an
ulcer for more than three weeks should get it checked by their dentist
or doctor.

"You never know, it could save your life."

More information about mouth cancer is available at
www.dentalhealth.org.uk.

Dr Julie Sharp, senior science information officer for Cancer Research
UK, said: "Most cases of mouth cancer could be completely avoided.

"Three-quarters of mouth cancers occur in people who smoke or chew
tobacco and drink too much alcohol.

"This survey shows that while most people are aware of the dangers of
smoking, the majority are unaware of the effects of alcohol in causing
mouth cancer.

"However, mouth cancer that is detected early can be successfully
treated.

"This is why it's important to go for regular dental check-ups,
especially if you smoke or chew tobacco and drink alcohol."