Alcohol may caused mouth cancer rise in UK

Cases of mouth cancer have risen by a quarter over the past 10 years - from 3411 in 1992 to 4285 in 2001. While smoking rates have fallen in recent years, alcohol consumption has risen sharply.

The major risk factors for mouth cancer are smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Smoking and drinking are together estimated to cause more than 75 per cent of mouth cancer cases in developed countries.

But while three quarters of people asked about the causes of mouth cancer were able to name smoking, only one fifth mentioned alcohol.

Cancer Research UK is launching a three-year campaign to raise awareness.

“Mouth cancer is on the increase, and kills more people in the UK than cervical cancer and testicular cancer put together,” said Sara Hiom, Head of Health Information at Cancer Research UK.

“The good news is that the disease is largely preventable. At least three quarters of mouth cancers could be prevented by stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake.”

Our new campaign aims to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer. Evidence shows that early detection of mouth cancer can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment - raising five-year survival rates from around 50 to 90 per cent.”

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 difficulty swallowing.

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Professor Alex Markham, added: “It’s very worrying that people aren’t 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.

“Tobacco is the major cause of mouth cancer, so it is essential we continue our efforts at getting people to quit smoking.

“Greater awareness of the symptoms of mouth cancer - along with regular visits to the dentist - could greatly improve survival for the disease.”
Taken From : www.999today.com