A CAMPAIGN is being launched to encourage people across the district to learn the potential signs of mouth cancer.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the symptoms, as well as risk factors.

According to the Oral Health Foundation, cases of mouth cancer have rocketed by a third in the past decade.

Last year, more than 8,300 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease.

And it remains one of the few cancers that are predicted to increase further in the coming years.

Now – in support of Mouth Cancer Action Month, which runs throughout November – Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s community dental service is striving to boost awareness and people’s knowledge of the disease.

Sharon Walker, the trust’s oral health lead, said: “We want people to be more aware of mouth cancer and the lifestyle choices they make that can lead to the disease developing.

“Mouth cancer kills more people in the UK every year than cervical and testicular cancer combined.

“Spotting the disease early can increase chances of survival. We encourage people to check their mouths regularly, and visit the dental surgery immediately if they notice anything abnormal to reduce the risks.”

Warning signs of mouth cancer include:

* Red, white or speckled patches in the mouth that can’t be wiped off

* Mouth ulcers or sores that take longer than three weeks to heal

* A lump or thickening in the mouth

* Problems chewing or swallowing, or a sore throat, that lasts for more than three weeks

There are also several things people can do to reduce the risks of developing the disease.

They include:

* Check your mouth regularly and visit your dentist or GP immediately if you notice anything unusual

* Stop smoking/chewing tobacco

* Don’t drink more than the recommended limit of alcohol. Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. Fourteen units is equivalent to six pints of average-strength beer or ten small glasses of low-strength wine

* Maintain a healthy and balanced diet

For further information visit mouthcancer.org.