Source: www.journallive.co.uk
Author: Neil MacKay

It is a memorable moment in any mother’s life when her child utters their first word. But when Daniel Sewell said “Mam” for the first time it was an extra special for his mum Alison.

For Daniel was given a “new” tongue during pioneering surgery for mouth cancer at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary more than three years ago, and doctors warned Alison that he may never talk properly.

Surgeons had to take out three-quarters of his tongue and replace it with muscle from his abdominal lining. Now, after three years in remission, four-year-old Daniel is a happy, talkative primary school pupil.

Both he and Alison, 43, of Coronation Street, Crook, County Durham, are backing the British Dental Health Foundation’s Mouth Cancer Action Week, which runs next week.

Daniel’s father Richard spotted his badly swollen tongue when he was 13 months old and his quick action saved the tot’s life – early detection of oral cancer means a survival chance of 90%.

Alison said: “I was just as ignorant as anyone about mouth cancer. I always presumed it was about the older generation and was linked with smoking and the like.

“When we found out Daniel had cancer, we had the shock of our lives. It was so hard for the first few weeks and we didn’t know which way it was going to go. If we hadn’t noticed when we did I really don’t think he would have made it. Mouth cancer is a silent killer.

“Even hospital staff couldn’t believe a child of 13 months could get this disease. People need to be aware that this can happen to anybody. It is so important that people get themselves checked out.

“We were so nervous when he had the operation, and we were told he might never talk properly, so when he said ‘Mam’ for the first time I was just so happy, I was dancing round the kitchen.”

Alison added: “He has made a remarkable recovery, he has astounded the doctors and nurses, but his condition is always the last thing I think of before going to sleep and the first thing I think about on waking. You dread the cancer recurring.

“But his speech is coming on very well. The doctors warned us he may have difficulty saying his brother’s name, Thomas, for example, because the letter T is difficult to pronounce, but he says it perfectly.

“He cannot stick his tongue out properly like other children, but that is not necessarily a bad thing!

“We are delighted to support this campaign. If we help one family spot the symptoms in time. it will be worthwhile.”

One person dies every five hours from disease. Nearly 5,000 are diagnosed with mouth cancer annually. Mortality figures have remained above 1,500 deaths per year for a decade. Mouth cancer kills one person every five hours in the UK.

British Dental Health Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter said: “It is time for action – which can be as simple as getting regular dental check-ups.

“Early detection of mouth cancer is vital to survival, increasing survival chances to more than 90%. It is no longer just older males who need to be worried about developing mouth cancer – the condition can strike anyone.”

The foundation is urging people to be aware of how to spot mouth cancer. Three easy-to-spot warning signs are:
– Mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
– Red or white patches in the mouth
– Unusual swellings or lumps within the mouth or neck.