Brush away your fears of mouth cancer…

Mouth cancer can be cured and yet it's often ignored - this is the message from local NHS dental experts who are urging everyone to check their mouth for signs of the disease before it's too late.

November is 'Mouth Cancer Action Month' and so it's the ideal time to brush up on the signs & symptoms, and take advantage of a FREE dental check being offered next Friday, 25th November.

Sat Parmer, Maxillofacial Head and Neck Consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital comments:

"Since 1985 there has been an increase in the incidence rate across Birmingham and Solihull. This is due to increased alcohol use, smoking and chewing tobacco and the spread of the HPV virus (via oral sex). This is the virus which is also linked to cervical cancer.

"However, the good news is that oral cancer can be cured if caught early, which is why it's imperative to look out for the warning signs which include ulcers which don't heal within 3 weeks, red and white patches in the mouth as well as unusual lumps or swelling in the mouth. "

One former sufferer - Sarah Macrow from Solihull - explains her experience :

"My dentist found an unusual lump in my mouth and referred me to the dental hospital. It turned out to be a malignant tumour which then spread to my lymph glands. I had surgery to my mouth and neck, received radio therapy and chemo therapy and am now pleased to say that I have nearly reached the five year 'all clear'. I would urge everyone to have regular dental check ups and seek help early on for anything which looks unusual."

Sat continues:
"Spotting the signs and symptoms early on increase your chance of survival by 90% so visiting your dentist regularly is very important. There are dentists who can take on new NHS patients in Birmingham. All you need to do is to call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and give them your postcode and they will tell you the contact details for your local dental practices; or text the word 'dentist' to 64746."

"Alternatively, log onto www.nhs.uk ? click on 'Dentist' ? type your postcode into the box and click 'search'. These are easy ways to ensure that you look after your oral health."

So don't delay, visit the health bus for a FREE mouth check at the Birmingham Markets (next to St Martin's Church) on Friday 25 November 2011 9am - 2 pm. The checks will be carried out by Professionals from the dental hospital who will also be offering advice to help reduce the risks of getting mouth cancer.

Ends

For more information, please contact Anna Donaldson, on 0121 255 0874 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Birmingham and Solihull NHS Cluster comprises Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust, NHS South Birmingham, NHS Birmingham East and North, and Solihull Primary Care Trust.

The cluster has been entrusted by each of the four PCTs to lead the local NHS, receiving over £2.3 billion per year to commission and provide health care for 1.3 million people across the city and borough. Our vision is to strengthen commissioning, improve quality and assure safety, tackle health inequalities and make best use of precious NHS resources.

While PCTs will retain their Boards and statutory responsibilities, the cluster has appointed a single Chief Executive - Denise McLellan, who is the accountable officer for all four PCTs. Denise is supported by an Executive Team which comprises four directors, each of whom is leading on a specific areas of business and transformation.

The NHS faces unprecedented challenges in the years ahead. People are living longer, but with greater health and social care needs. People's health prospects and expectations are improving, but through expensive drugs and technology that place an additional burden on our limited resources. Coming together in this way provides the best opportunity to tackle the challenges ahead and create a financially sustainable legacy for our clinical commissioning colleagues to whom we handover the role of commissioning in 2013. We have set out how we will do this in our blueprint for health and care across Birmingham and Solihull - the System Plan.

Until then, we will be uniting with patients, clinicians and a wide range of diverse organisations across the region to help us get the best in care and quality of life for all.