Experts warn to be careful about the cancer symptom that you may only notice while brushing your teeth. The warning comes after the number of oral cancer cases in England reached its highest ever level, surpassing 10,000 cases for the first time.
10,825 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, according to new data collected by the Oral Health Foundation. This represents an increase of 133% in the last 20 years. According to the association’s 2024 report, 66% of oral cancers in the UK are diagnosed in men and 90% of cases are seen in people over the age of 50.
THE MAIN SYMPTOM IS NOTICED WHEN BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
The findings prompted health experts to warn of signs of oral cancer. This helped people recognize the symptoms early. Moreover, the real symptom is one that you will only notice while brushing your teeth.
MOST IMPORTANT WARNING…
According to the Oral Health Foundation, one-third (31%) of all oral cancer diagnoses occur in the tongue. The most important warning sign to look for is white patches on your tongue or inside your mouth.
The second most common symptom occurs in the tonsils, which account for a fifth (22%) of oral cancer diagnoses, while other areas affected include the lips, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, and the inside of the cheeks.
Oral cancer can cause mouth ulcers that do not heal, red or white patches in the mouth, and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head, or neck.