Mouth Cancer, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Thame

Mouth cancer rates in the UK continue to rise, with more than 10,825 new cases diagnosed last year. Awareness is one of the strongest ways to protect yourself and your family. 

At Park Street Dental, your dentist in Thame, we carry out mouth cancer screenings at every routine appointment because early detection can make a significant difference to treatment success.

Why Early Detection Matters

Mouth cancer can develop in several areas, including the tongue, gums, tonsils, and the inside of the cheeks. Some 53% of mouth cancers appear on the tongue and tonsils, and more than 3,600 people in the UK lose their lives each year to this disease. What makes early detection so important is how widely survival rates can vary. The ten-year survival rate ranges between 18% and 57%, depending on when the cancer is found and how early treatment begins.

This is why attending regular dental check-ups is essential. If it has been over 12 months since your last visit, booking an appointment should be a priority.

Key Signs You Should Never Ignore

While mouth cancer can affect anyone, certain signs should always prompt a closer look. If you notice any of the following, seek professional advice as soon as possible:

• Persistent ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
• Unexplained lumps in the mouth, head, or neck
• Red or white patches inside the mouth
• Ongoing pain when swallowing
• Changes in speech
• Persistent soreness in the throat

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should never be overlooked.

Lifestyle Factors That Increase Risk

Although experts do not know every cause of mouth cancer, they do know that lifestyle factors play a major role. Up to 90% of cases are linked to habits we can influence. Two of the most important steps anyone can take are stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mouth cancer by up to ten times compared with non-smokers. Around two in every three cases are linked to smoking. Drinking also increases risk and contributes to nearly a third of all diagnoses. When smoking and drinking are combined, the risk multiplies significantly.

How Regular Dental Visits Protect Your Health

Routine check-ups allow dental professionals to spot early changes that you may not see yourself. At Park Street Dental, screenings for mouth cancer are included in every examination. This means even subtle changes can be identified early, giving you the reassurance that your oral health is being closely monitored.

Your dentist will assess soft tissues in your mouth, look for unusual patches or lumps, and check your lymph nodes. These simple steps take moments but play a vital role in protecting long-term health.

When to Seek Support

If you have any concerns, whether it’s a persistent ulcer, a patch that looks unusual, or something that simply feels different, reach out for advice. It is always better to get symptoms assessed early.

Raising awareness and attending routine screenings helps us all work towards reducing the rising rates of mouth cancer. To discuss any concerns or arrange your next examination, contact Park Street Dental, your dentist in Thame, and take an important step in protecting your oral health.