Diabetics Reminded Of Mouth Cancer Risks

Those with diabetes have been reminded of the importance of knowing the mouth cancer symptoms, as a recent study found that they are in fact nearly 50 per cent more likely to develop head and neck cancer, with diseases relating to the mouth and throat the most common areas for diagnosis. If you’re concerned, visit one of the dentists Manchester has available and discuss your worries with them.

Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) Dr Nigel Carter commented on the research, published in July, saying that the results could help to save a lot of lives as, while diabetes has been associated with poor oral health in the past, this is the first time a connection has been made with mouth cancer.

“This makes regular dental visits an absolute must. If your dentists know that you are diabetic, they will check your mouth accordingly, especially if it could help to catch mouth cancer,” he remarked, adding that lifestyle choices like poor diet, drinking too much alcohol and smoking can also contribute to the onset of the disease.

Symptoms include red and white patches, ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks and unusual swellings or lumps in the mouth, Dr Carter continued.

November is actually Mouth Cancer Action Month and the BDHF is now campaigning to raise awareness of the disease, which kills more than 2,000 people every year in the UK. The organisation is asking people to participate in the Blue Lip Selfie scheme by snapping photos of themselves either wearing blue lipstick or blue lips and posting them on social networking sites under the hashtag #bluelipselfie.