Stop-smoking advice is being issued by health experts to mark Mouth Cancer Action Month.

A Smokefree Bus was parked at Canalside Health Centre, Kingsway, Bingley, yesterday where experts answered questions and showed people how they could protect themselves from cancer. The event was held as figures show that 90 per cent of mouth cancer diagnoses are related to smoking or alcohol.

A similar Smokefree Bus session will be at Morrisons in Mayo Avenue, Bradford, on Thursday, November 18.

Mouth cancer affects 5,000 people a year and kills 2,000. If detected early there is a 90 per cent chance of survival.

Sharon Walker, oral health promotion manager at NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “We want people to be more aware of mouth cancer, what can cause it and how it can be prevented.

“Smoking causes a large amount of cases related to the disease and we want people to reduce their chances of getting it.

“We feel it is important to share the impact that smoking can have on your health. After all, smoking and drinking alcohol can make someone 30 times more at risk of the disease.”

Signs of mouth cancer include red, white or speckled patches in the mouth that cannot be wiped off, thickening in the mouth, mouth ulcers or sores that take longer than three weeks to heal, problems chewing or swallowing lasting more than three weeks and a sore throat that lasts longer than three weeks.

Anyone who notices anything abnormal should contact their GP or dentist.

Mouth Cancer Action Month runs throughout November.