Open Wide for Mouth Cancer Awareness Week

4.34.23pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Nov 2005

Mouth Cancer Awareness week has begun, launching a three year long campaign to raise awareness of the deadly disease.

Liz Lynne MEP, co-chair of MEPs against Cancer in the European Parliament and Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands, commented in Strasbourg today:

"Incidences of cancer of the mouth are increasing faster than any other major cancer; we must ensure that all is done to raise awareness of this dreadful disease"

"Everyone can help themselves by having regular dental check-ups which ensure that any abnormalities will be caught early, with early detection and treatment, survival rates increase from 50 per cent to nearer 90 per cent.

"Several other measures can also be taken: stopping tobacco use and a healthy diet, rich in fruit and vegetables and low in animal fats help reduce the risk of not just mouth cancer but all cancer types."

Notes to Editors

Oral cancer affects more than 4,300 people a year in the UK, with more than 1,700 dying of the disease. On average, 50 per cent of cases will survive five years.

Smokers, drinkers and those over 40 are particularly at risk, although the incidence of oral cancer is increasing in younger people. It's approximately twice as common in men as in women.

ENDS.