More than 6,500 people in the UK each year are required to permanently change their diets after being diagnosed with mouth cancer, according to new research from the Oral Health Foundation. The findings show that 60% of mouth cancer patients experience ongoing problems that impact their ability to enjoy food and drink. Many survivors report losing the ability to chew or swallow normally, while others find changes in how food tastes or feels.
The Mouth Cancer Impact Report: From Diagnosis to Daily Life, published by the charity, highlights daily challenges faced by those who have undergone treatment for mouth cancer. Nearly half (42%) of respondents said they depend on texture-modified meals or nutritional supplements every day. For some individuals, eating a normal meal is no longer possible.
Other issues reported include food frequently getting stuck in the mouth or throat (59%), regular choking episodes (54%), and loss of sensation leading to drooling or accidental biting inside the mouth (40%).
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, commented on the findings: “For many mouth cancer survivors, mealtimes become a daily battle. Eating should be a joy, but instead it becomes painful, stressful and isolating.
“Nutrition and eating well are essential to both recovery and long-term health. That’s why every patient should have access to dietitians, speech therapists and nutritional advice as part of their cancer care. Support for eating and nutrition must be seen as a core part of recovery – not an optional extra.”
Personal accounts from survivors were also shared as part of the report. Christine, who was diagnosed 14 years ago, described her ongoing adjustment: “It’s because of the nerve damage in my mouth, but I’m so proud of myself 14 years later whenever I eat something that my doctors told me I would never eat again. It's taken me years to build up confidence eating publicly.”
Immaculate spoke about her reliance on a feeding tube following treatment: “Five bottles a day were the meals I had to keep my energy up and my weight.” Her husband Joseph added: “When we travel, we have to take liquid meals with us, and we need a medical letter at the airport so she’s allowed to bring them through security.”
Janet recounted how she adapted her diet: “After two months of only drinking nutritional supplements, I just had enough… I started making salmon and cream smoothies, different vegetable smoothies… and suddenly having all the flavours of food that I normally liked made having sort of liquids so much better.”
During Mouth Cancer Action Month this November, the Oral Health Foundation is focusing attention on these long-term impacts and calling for earlier diagnosis as well as improved support for patients living with mouth cancer. The organization urges greater public awareness about early symptoms such as persistent ulcers or unusual lumps in order to encourage timely professional consultation.
The charity is also advocating for better access to dietary support services for survivors post-treatment due to risks including malnutrition and social isolation if adequate help is not provided.
Dr Carter concluded: “Nobody should have to face these challenges alone. With the right advice and support, we can help people eat well, stay healthy and rediscover the pleasure of food again.”
