Mouth Cancer

Early detection saves lives

Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth and throat. Cases in the UK have risen substantially in recent decades — but when caught early, the chances of a full recovery are good. That's why every routine examination at our practice includes a mouth cancer screen of your soft tissues, at no extra cost.

What to look out for

• A mouth ulcer that doesn't heal within 3 weeks
• A persistent red or white patch in the mouth
• An unexplained lump in the mouth, lip or neck
• Persistent difficulty or pain when swallowing, chewing or speaking
• Unexplained numbness of the lip or tongue
• A persistent hoarse voice

What increases the risk?

• Smoking and tobacco in any form — the biggest single risk factor
• Alcohol — and drinking and smoking together multiplies the risk many times over
• HPV (human papillomavirus) — an increasing cause, particularly of throat cancers
• Sun exposure to the lips
• Poor diet low in fruit and vegetables

Lower your risk

Stop smoking (your GP or pharmacy can prescribe free support in Scotland — ask us for signposting too), keep alcohol within recommended limits, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, use SPF lip balm, and attend regular check-ups so we can screen you even when nothing feels wrong.

Found something you're worried about? Don't wait for your next check-up — call us on 0141 554 0499.