Mouth cancer examinations urged

People are being urged to avail of free mouth cancer examinations today by visiting their dentists.

People are being urged to avail of free mouth cancer examinations today by visiting their dentists.

Part of an initiative to mark Mouth Cancer Awareness Day and backed by the Irish Dental Association, the examinations are available at 750 participating dental surgeries across the State.

According to Dr Eleanor O'Sullivan of the Cork University Dental School and Hospital, people need to become more aware of the disease and risk factors.

"It is not widely known, but if you drink and smoke you are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer. This cancer doesn't have the same profile as malignant melanomas, Hodgkins disease or cervical cancers - that's why it is known as the 'Cinderella' of cancers - but it actually kills more people, over 100 Irish people every year."

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She added the examination is straightforward, painless and takes less than five minutes, with follow-up appointments where necessary.

Symptoms of the disease include ulcers that will not heal; white, red or speckled patches; neck lumps or swellings; and difficulty swallowing. Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of a good outcome.

Six people were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year when 3,000 people were examined at Cork and Dublin dental schools and hospitals. Many cases of pre-cancer were also detected and have been treated.

Anyone with concerns about mouth cancer can call the National Cancer Helpline on Freephone 1800 200 700.