The Cancer Research UK, which conducted an analysis recently, has reported that the incidence of oral cancer in the UK has increased by about 68 percent in the past two decades.
Incidence Of Oral Cancer In UK
Oral cancer cases reported per 100,000 people including men, women and children increased from eight to 13 cases in last 20 years, noted the agency. Sixty-seven percent more cases were reported in men aged below 50 years in the said period, where an average of 340 cases reported each year climbed up to 640 cases.
Meanwhile, 59 percent increase in oral cancer cases in men aged 50 years and above are observed, noted the CR report. It is reported that 2,100 mouth cancer cases have increased to 4,400 cases each year. While oral cancer is predominantly seen in men, the incidence of the disease was found to have increased significantly in women as well.
About 71 percent increase in the incidence of mouth cancer was observed in women aged below 50 years in the last two decades. The number of cases rose from 160 to 300 each year. As far as women aged 50 years and above are concerned, the rate also rose by 71 percent, climbing up from 1,100 to 2,200 cases each year.
What Is Oral Cancer
Cancer in lips, gums, tongue, palate, middle of the throat and tonsils are referred to as oral cancers. The main causes of oral cancer include lifestyle problems such as smoking, drinking, poor intake of fruits and vegetables and Human Papilloma Virus infection.
CR, in collaboration with British Dental Association, developed a tool kit for healthcare professionals to diagnose oral cancer in patients at early stages. Jessica Kirby, CR's senior health information manager, said that the fact that oral cancer has become one of the common diseases is quite bothersome.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Kirby noted that it is important for a person to know the symptoms in mouth that could a result of oral cancer. The symptoms include mouth ulcer or a sore that doesn't heal for a long time, a white or red patch in mouth, a lump on lip and unexplained lump on neck.
Adapting a healthy lifestyle would decrease a person's chances of developing oral cancer to a great extent, added Kirby.
"Not smoking, drinking less alcohol and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can all help to cut our risk of mouth cancer," said Kirby in a press release.
Kirby also noted that HPV vaccination could help prevent people from acquiring oral HPV as well as other cancers associated with the virus.
