NHS explains symptoms as cancer survivor says discovering early signs in mouth made him ‘seek help’

A cancer survivor is urging people to “call for help” if they see an unusual mouth ulcer. Chris Byrne, 66, was diagnosed with mouth cancer just weeks after he first noticed an unusual ulcer on his tongue.

He said: “I remember my wife saying I should have it looked at so I went to my dentist who referred me to the head and neck team at the local hospital. At the time I wasn’t sure what it was, but I never suspected cancer.”

A biopsy on his tongue confirmed the cancer, however, because it was caught early, Chris did not have to have radiotherapy after the operation. He had a 10-hour operation to remove part of his tongue and a row of lymph nodes. Doctors were able to reconstruct his tongue using the skin of his forearm.

Chris said: “I’m proud of the scar on my arm and my new tongue – a reminder that I did the right thing and didn’t hesitate to go to the dentist.”

His experience inspired him, along with another patient, to set up a local branch of head and neck cancer charity The Swallows to support others and their loved ones going through their own head and neck cancer journey.

Six years on, Chris, from Bewdley in Worcestershire, is cancer free and said: “I’m so grateful I didn’t ignore that mouth ulcer and got it checked out. My speech is good and the scars on my neck are barely noticeable. I realize now how important it is to know your own body and seek help if you notice something that is not normal for you. That’s why the new messages on these toothpaste and mouthwash packs are so important.”

Chris told his story as the NHS and Asda team up to offer vital advice on millions of toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles, encouraging people to contact their GP or dentist if they notice anything potential symptoms of mouth cancer. From this month, Asda’s own brand of oral care products will now feature NHS advice in more than 500 Asda stores across the country.

The guidance will be clearly displayed on the packaging, along with a link to more detailed information about mouth and throat cancer on the NHS website. The aim of the partnership is to raise awareness of symptoms that could indicate cancer, such as an ulcer lasting three weeks or more, and to encourage people to contact their GP or dentist and be check as early as possible.

Symptoms of oral cancer also include a white or red patch in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks, a lump or swelling in the mouth, jaw or throat that lasts more than three weeks, and difficulty swallowing, chewing or moving. jaw or tongue. Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth, a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, a chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists for more than six weeks, and unexplained loosening of teeth can also be possible signs of cancer.

Although most of these symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions, getting checked as soon as possible is vital, as early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment.

Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: “Early detection of oral cancer can help save lives and this fantastic new partnership with Asda will be vital in raising awareness of the signs and supporting ambition NHS to diagnose more. cancers in an early stage. By placing health messages on products like toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles that people use every day, we encourage people to be alert to potential mouth cancer symptoms and get checked early.

“Like many other cancers, oral cancers have a much better prognosis if they are found early – raising awareness is a crucial step and although many of these symptoms will not be caused by cancer, we would encourage anyone with any concerns should come forward and contact your dentist or GP.”

The new NHS partnership was launched on World Head and Neck Cancer Day on July 27 and comes as the health service continues to urge young people to opt-in for the HPV vaccination, which can help reduce the risk of HPV-related cancer, including oral cancer. The vaccine is offered on the NHS to all children aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) and is also available free on the NHS to all girls and women under 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006.

Figures from the Mouth Cancer Foundation show it is the eighth most common type of cancer in the UK, with more than 11,700 new cases diagnosed each year. The disease is twice as common in men as in women, and almost eight in ten cases (78%) occur in people aged over 55.

Sam Dickson, Asda’s vice president of commercial strategy, operations and own brand, said: “We are proud to launch this collaboration with the NHS by raising awareness of mouth and throat cancer on our branded oral care products, including mouthwash and toothpaste. teeth. Asda sells more than two million of these everyday items every year, so making this small change to our packaging means we can make a big difference in encouraging shoppers to be more aware and highlight what they should do if find new or unexplained changes. .”

President of the Oral Cancer Foundation and oral and maxillofacial surgeon Mahesh Kumar said: “Early detection is essential in the fight against oral cancer to save and improve lives. Any cancer detected early usually involves a less invasive treatment plan.

“It is incredibly important to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms among the general public. The NHS advice on oral care products will go a long way in highlighting the importance of looking after our oral health and acting early when anything is out of the ordinary. discovered.”

Oral cancer symptoms

• An ulcer that lasts three weeks or more.