Oral health teams at Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust were out in force yesterday alerting people to the early signs of mouth cancer.

The information campaign comes at the start of National Mouth Cancer Awareness Week which runs until Saturday.

The theme of the campaign this year is "If in doubt, get checked out" to remind people of the importance of early detection.

Mouth cancer kills one person every five hours in the UK and the number of new cases is increasing every year. Early detection of mouth cancer increases survival from one in two to nine out of ten people.

In Bradford health workers manned an information stand in the Kirkgate Centre and were busy handing out leaflets warning of common risk factors, signs and symptoms and what to do if you suspect a problem and preventative advice.

Lynn Owen, senior oral health promotion officer with Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT, said: "Mouth cancer can be cured as long as it is caught early enough, but people need to be made more aware of the symptoms.

"If you have a mouth ulcer that hasn't healed after three weeks, or you notice any unusual changes in your mouth you should visit your dentist as soon as possible for an examination.

"One of the most important ways of reducing your chance of getting this disease is by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes stopping using tobacco products, drinking alcohol sensibly, having good eating habits and visiting your dentist regularly."

On Thursday, people can drop in for a free mouth cancer check-up at the Maxillo Facial Unit in the Horton Wing at St Luke's Hospital, Bradford, between 2pm and 4pm and on Tuesday, November 21, between 9.30am and 11am.

The unit also has a helpline for professionals who want to refer or discuss any cases on (01274) 365200, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

On-call staff are available for out-of-hours referrals through the hospital switchboard.

e-mail: claire.lomax@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

Prompt action can make difference'

It was in early 2004 when John Spencer, left, first became aware that a mouth ulcer he had developed was a little more persistent than previous ulcers.

After trying numerous remedies he finally visited his GP in March of that year. Following a recommendation to see his dentist, he was referred to the Maxillo Facial Clinic at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield for assessment.

After being diagnosed with mouth cancer Mr Spencer, 70, was transferred to Leeds General Hospital, where he underwent an 11-hour operation.

It involved having half his jawbone removed and rebuilt with metal plate and bone. He remained in the clinic for two weeks.

Mr Spencer, of Mirfield, said: "It was major surgery and my recovery was a long drawn out business."

In July of the same year another tumour developed at the left hand side of his mouth. Assuming he would have to go through the same thing again, he was naturally very worried.

However, as the growth was treated early, the experience was much less stressful.

He said: "The operation lasted for less than one hour.

"That is the difference between prompt action and delay and it can be the difference between life and death."

Although a heavy smoker in his younger years, Mr Spencer gave up in 1982. He has since been treated for a third tumour but is recovering well.