Mouth Cancer Foundation Reg charity no: 1109298
Who we are
The Mouth Cancer Foundation was established in June 2004.www.mouthcancerfoundation.org.
Our aim is to support people with mouth, throat and other head & neck cancer, families and carers about this little known disease.
What we do and who we help
Mouth Cancers can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips and adjacent areas like the throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites in the head and neck area. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. One person dies every three hours from mouth cancer and the mortality rate is just over 50% because of late detection. The Mouth Cancer Foundation actively promotes mouth cancer awareness while offering support and advice to patients and their families.
Advice includes raising the profile of Mouth Cancer and alerting everyone to the symptoms for Mouth Cancer.
How to reduce the risk of Mouth Cancer:
Not smoking or chewing tobacco, gutkha/paan
Drinking less alcohol
Having a healthier “low meat, low fat” diet, rich in vegetables and fruit
Note: 25% of cases have no associated high risk factors!
Scientists in the US have recently shown that the human papilloma virus(HPV), which is responsible for cervical cancer, may trigger certain types of mouth and tonsil cancer, too. It's now believed that HPV could be another risk factor affecting younger people.
The symptoms for Mouth Cancer:
1. An ulcer or white or red patch anywhere in the mouth that does not heal within 3 weeks
2. A lump or swelling anywhere in the mouth, jaw or neck that persists for more than 3 weeks
3. A difficulty in swallowing, chewing or moving the tongue or jaw
5. A numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
6. A feeling that something is caught in the throat
7. A chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists more than 6 weeks
8. An unexplained loosening of teeth with no obvious dental cause
What we are doing right now
Mouth Cancer Awareness Week runs from Sunday 11th November to Saturday 17th November 2007. The Mouth Cancer Foundation organises two big annual events in the run up to and during the Week: the Mouth Cancer Walk and the Mouth Cancer Voice Awards.
How you can do your bit
Support the Mouth Cancer Foundation by signing up to take part in the FREE 10K Mouth Cancer sponsored walk. Everyone is welcome to join by registering at www.mouthcancerwalk.org.
For more information on the Mouth Cancer Foundation, visit the charity’s website and online support group at www.mouthcancerfoundation.org.