A new Mouth Cancer Charter was introduced by the Oral Health Foundation at the House of Commons last Thursday. This initiative, part of November's Mouth Cancer Action Month, outlines steps to reduce mouth cancer cases and mortality in the UK.
The charter proposes seven measures to raise awareness, improve early detection, and enhance patient care. Recommendations include a government-funded mouth cancer campaign, better access to routine dentistry, and improved training for non-dental healthcare staff to recognize signs of mouth cancer.
Professor Tim Newton, President of the Oral Health Foundation, stated: “As we strive to reduce the number of people affected by this devastating disease, we require coordinated action at many levels. Our charter is a call to action for everyone from the government to healthcare providers to the public at large."
Newton emphasized that early recognition is crucial for effective intervention: "Early recognition of the signs and symptoms will be crucial when identifying mouth cancer at a point where intervention is most effective. Once individuals with signs that suggest possible mouth cancer wish to discuss their symptoms, there are a range of healthcare professionals that they may approach their concerns Supporting all healthcare professionals to recognise symptoms and make appropriate referral will be key.”
The Oral Health Foundation believes education on signs and symptoms and enhanced training for non-dental healthcare providers can lead to earlier detection. The charity suggests this could improve survival chances and quality of life for those affected.
Other highlighted steps include improving referral pathways, supporting technology development, and offering free dental check-ups and treatment for patients with mouth cancer. Professor Newton noted: "Streamlining referral pathways can only benefit mouth cancer care."
He added that faster access through direct referrals and one-stop clinics can reduce delays: “By enabling faster access to specialists through direct referrals and one-stop clinics, we can reduce delays and ensure timely treatment, which is vital for improving survival rates."
Advancing diagnostic technologies like AI could also help detect cancer earlier: “We also believe advancing diagnostic technologies such as AI and biosensors could play a significant role in helping detect cancer earlier, providing faster, more accurate results and improving patient outcomes."
Free dental check-ups are suggested to alleviate financial burdens on patients: "Introducing free dental check-ups for mouth cancer patients, who often require more extensive oral care as part of their recovery, will alleviate the unnecessary and unjust financial burdens they face."
The event was hosted by Grahame Morris MP for Easington. Speeches were delivered by Bill Brodie from Vigilant Biosciences and Mahesh Kumar from the Mouth Cancer Foundation.
Joe Butler from Sheffield shared his experience as a survivor during the session. Diagnosed at 26 due to a recurring tongue ulcer found during a dental appointment, he stressed how that visit saved his life.
Earlier this month, the Oral Health Foundation published its State of Mouth Cancer Report showing an increase in cases. Data reveals 10,825 new cases annually in the UK—a 133% rise over 20 years.
The foundation invites public support by signing the charter online.
For further details or to sign up visit www.dentalhealth.org/mouthcancercharter.
