Source: www.dentistry.co.uk
Author: staff

Many mouth cancer sufferers ignore the first symptoms of the disease and do not seek the advice of a healthcare professional during the early stages – the results of a new study have shown. The research, which interviewed relatively young mouth cancer patients in Scotland, found that most had heard of oral cancer but they didn’t think their symptoms were indicative of the life-threatening illness. Furthermore, 40% of participants decided to self manage their symptoms and sought over-the-counter treatments which were suggested by a pharmacist.

Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter says the study further confirms gaps in understanding and awareness of oral cancer. Dr Carter explains: ‘Public awareness of oral cancer and the associated risk factors appears to be too low here in the UK.

‘An awareness of the risk factors and symptom recognition by the public is a critical issue in determining survival rates, as early detection greatly improves the chances of survival.’

Almost 9% of patients who were interviewed had a prior knowledge of oral cancer and the causes such as tobacco and alcohol. However, this prior knowledge was neither instrumental for them to suspect they may have mouth cancer nor did it prompt them to visit a healthcare professional in the first place.

None of the interviewees thought it would happen to them.

A third of interviewees mentioned their first sign as some kind of ‘lump’, a few described a ‘white spot’ ‘mark’ or ‘patch’ and two described an abscess. Exactly 40% said their mouth felt sore while just fewer than 30% said they felt no pain or soreness at all.

It was also found that wasting time of a healthcare professional or appearing to be a hypochondriac was a delaying factor in patients seeking help.

‘The custom of not bothering the GP or dentist unless it was thought as “serious” is a big obstacle for earlier access. Much research supports the notion that greater awareness of oral cancer and its symptoms is required. We need to let the public know that if their symptoms continue past three weeks then they need a professional opinion.’

Mouth cancer is a potentially fatal condition that is taking more lives each year. Without early diagnosis chances of survival plummet down to 50%.

For those attempting self treatment there was an inevitably some delay in visiting their GP or dentist.

This period of delay in these cases ranged from a few days to two months. The period of time which elapsed between the interviewees noticing their symptoms and them making contact with a health care professional varied from a few days to a year, although two thirds saw someone within eight weeks.

Participants who had taken part were all in their thirties and forties and from Scotland.

Mouth cancer has previously been found to be more common in men than women and people over the age of 40, though an increasing number of women and young people are developing the condition. Tobacco and alcohol are thought to contribute to at least three–quarters of mouth cancer cases. Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases. Evidence shows an increase in fruit and vegetables lowers the risk, as can fish and eggs.

Around 5,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year, claiming the lives of almost 2,000, making it the UK’s fastest growing cancer.

That is why the charity, who organises Mouth Cancer Action Month during November, strongly advises people of all ages to start checking their mouths more frequently and continue to attend their check–ups on a regular basis.

Dr Carter added: ‘It is tremendously important to follow our Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign slogan: If in doubt, get checked out.’

Notes:
1. The Scottish research, entitled ‘The experiences of young oral cancer patients in Scotland: symptom recognition and delays in seeking professional help’, was conducted by lead author Liz Grant, a Public Health Pharmacist from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
2. The study was published in the May issue of the British Dental Journal.