13 Nov Supporting the Local Community with Mouth Cancer Action Month
At Bridgeways Dental we are committed to supporting the local community in Southampton and surrounding areas of Hampshire and the New Forest. November is “Mouth Cancer Action Month” hosted by the Oral Health Foundation. Aiming to raise awareness of mouth cancer and attempting to improve the numbers of mouth cancers diagnosed in their earliest stages.
This blog is Part One of a Three Part series on Mouth Cancer Action Month. Part Two looks at the risk factors for mouth cancer, and part three discusses the signs and symptoms to help you know what to look out for and when to see a health professional.
Free Oral Cancer Screening
As part of each and every routine oral and dental health examination with our dentists; Dr Casey Carnall and Dr George Margaritis, and oral hygiene and prevention appointments with our hygienist Miss Kirsty Underwood, all of our patients receive a full and thorough oral cancer screening. However, throughout the month of November, we are pleased to be offering oral cancer screenings to any person who contacts us for an appointment, completely free of charge. You do not have to be registered with our practice, and do not have to commit to a full dental examination. All you need to do is call our practice on 02380 868833 and quote Mouth Cancer Action Month Screening for your free 15-minute screening examination. We promise that will make sure to find the time in our diaries to screen anyone who wishes to see us. If that means we need to extend our clinic hours to ensure we can fit you in, we will do so.
You will be asked to arrive at the practice 15 minutes before your appointment time to fill in a confidential medical history form and will receive a 15-minute appointment with one of our clinicians, as well as an analysis and discussion of your risk factors. If there are any positive signs, we will make an urgent referral to your local hospital, and you will be seen by a consultant within two weeks.
The Facts on Mouth Cancer
- Last year, 8300 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK.
- The incidence of mouth cancer has increased by 49% in the last decade.
- 56% of mouth cancers appear on the tongue or tonsils.
- In 2017, mouth cancer claimed the lives of 2700 Brits.
- Better lifestyle choices, improved access to dentistry, and earlier diagnosis is key to tackling mouth cancer.
(information from the State of Mouth Cancer Report 2018/2019)
Part Two of this blog series is will provide further information about the risk factors for mouth cancer, and some tips on what you can do to improve your health.
