According to the statistics, mouth cancer is on the rise for men and women of all ages. “From 1993 to 1995, there were eight cases of mouth cancer per 100,000 people, rising to 13 cases per 100,000 people between 2012 and 2014.” Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is where a tumour develops in the lining of the mouth.
It may be on the surface of the tongue, the insides of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth (palate), or the lips or gums. Tumours can also develop in the glands that produce saliva, the tonsils at the back of the mouth, and the part of the throat connecting the mouth to the windpipe (pharynx). However, these are less common.
However, for men under 50, the rate has jumped by 67 per cent. Twenty years ago, there were around 340 cases per year in this age group, rising to around 640 now. For men aged 50 and over, rates have increased by 59 per cent.
There were around 2,100 cases a year, now there are 4,400. While mouth cancer is more common in men, women are also affected and have seen a 71 per cent rise in rates over the past 20 years.
Cancer Research UK issued a warning over the figures, saying nine out of 10 cases are linked to unhealthy lifestyles, reported the ‘independentuk’. Smokers have a particularly high risk, while drinking alcohol, having a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) also play a part. Reacting to the development, Cancer Research UK’s senior health information manager, Jessica Kirby said:
“It’s worrying that oral cancer has become more common. It’s important to get to know your body and what’s normal for you, to help spot the disease as early as possible.
“An ulcer or sore in your mouth or tongue that won’t go away, a lump on your lip or in your mouth, a red or red and white patch in your mouth or an unexplained lump in your neck are all things to look out for.”
