Mouth cancer rates rise, PHW warns

The latest figures from Public Health Wales (PHW) have shown an increase in the rate of mouth cancer, but an improvement in short term survival.

The analysis showed that more people were being diagnosed with the majority of mouth cancers identified at a late stage.

PHW highlighted that while the one-year survival rate had improved rapidly, there was little change in the five-year rate.

Commenting on the findings, Dyfed Wyn Huws, director of the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, said: "Smoking is a major preventable risk factor for mouth cancer, but smoking rates are decreasing in Wales.”

Anup Karki, consultant in dental public health, said: "We need to improve on early diagnosis using effective methods, which should lead to earlier treatment."

Symptoms of mouth cancer include unexplained lumps or swelling in the mouth, ulcers and soreness that do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches, persistent numbness and loose teeth when there is no history of gum disease.

The Welsh government's Cancer Delivery Plan for Wales 2016-2020 has made raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer a priority.

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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