Public health: New study reveals ignorance of alcohol's role in mouth disease
The number of mouth cancer cases has risen by a quarter over the past 10 years and the disease now kills more people in the UK than cervical and testicular cancer combined, according to Cancer Research UK.
Latest figures released by the charity showed that 4,285 people suffered from the disease in 2001, compared with only 3,411 in 1992.
The two biggest risk factors for mouth cancer are smoking and drinking, which together are estimated to cause more than 75% of mouth cancer cases in developed countries.
But while three-quarters of people asked about the causes of mouth cancer by the charity were aware of the effects smoking could have, only one in five of those surveyed was aware of a connection between the disease and drinking.
To address the misunder-standings that surround the disease, Cancer Research UK has launched a three-year campaign in the hope it will raise awareness of the early signs and risk factors for mouth cancer. Professor Alex Markham, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, is deeply concerned that while smoking rates have decreased over the last couple of years as more people have begun to acknowledge the health risks associated with the habit, alcohol consumption in the UK has increased sharply.
"Tobacco is the major cause of mouth cancer, so it is essential we continue our efforts at getting people to quit smoking," he said. "However, it is very worrying that people are not aware that alcohol is a major cause of mouth cancer.
"Alcohol consumption in Britain is rising rapidly. The recent rise in mouth cancer cases appears to be one of the unfortunate outcomes of excessive drinking in this country," Markham added. "Greater awareness of the symptoms of mouth cancer - along with regular visits to the dentist - could greatly improve survival for the disease."
Commenting on the campaign, the public health minister, Caroline Flint, said: "More and more people are dying from mouth cancer because they seek help too late for it to be treated successfully. I hope the campaign will raise awareness and save lives by helping people to recognise the symptoms, seek an early diagnosis and obtain prompt treatment."
The most common signs of mouth cancer are sores, ulcers, red or white patches and unexplained pain in the mouth or ear. Less common signs include a lump in the neck, a persistent sore throat or having difficulty in swallowing.
Cancer Research UK recommends anyone suffering from any of these symptoms for more than three weeks to seek medical advice.
