Mouth Cancer Cases Hit Record High in England and Scotland

A recent report published by Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), has highlighted an alarming rise in the number of mouth cancer cases in England and Scotland. According to the article, released through The Conversation, over 10,000 new cases of mouth cancer were reported last year, setting a new record. This marks a 38% increase over the past decade and a staggering 133% rise compared to figures from 20 years ago.

The article emphasizes that the increasing trend in mouth cancer cases cannot simply be attributed to a growing population. Instead, the rise in age-standardised incidence rates — which take into account changes in population demographics — suggests a genuine and concerning increase. “This effect is very real,” the article notes, pointing to significant shifts in the underlying risk factors.

Lifestyle Factors: Tobacco, Alcohol, and HPV

The report highlights several contributing factors behind this surge, primarily changes in lifestyle habits. Tobacco use remains the leading cause, with approximately two-thirds of cases linked directly to smoking or chewing tobacco. In addition to this, excessive alcohol consumption is implicated in about one-third of all mouth cancer cases.

The combined effects of smoking and heavy drinking pose a particularly severe risk, increasing the likelihood of developing mouth cancer by 30 times, according to the article. The report also identifies the human papillomavirus (HPV) as an emerging risk factor, especially for oropharyngeal cancers — cancers affecting the throat. Oral HPV is believed to spread mainly through oral sex, which has become a growing concern for healthcare professionals.

Recognizing the Symptoms: The Importance of Early Detection

Spotting mouth cancer early can significantly improve survival rates, yet awareness remains low. Symptoms often include persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, unexplained lumps in the mouth or neck, red or white patches in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness.

“Regular dental check-ups and self-examinations can aid in early detection,” the article states. Despite the importance of early recognition, only 20% of UK adults are familiar with the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer. However, there is a positive trend: the State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2024 indicates that nearly 80% of UK adults are aware that cancer can occur in or around the mouth.

While most cases are diagnosed in older adults — about 85% of cases occur in individuals over the age of 50 — ecent data shows a worrying rise among younger people. “I’ve certainly looked after very young patients with this,” Stebbing notes, underscoring that mouth cancer can affect individuals at any stage of life.

Treatment Advances: Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Emerging Therapies

Treatment for mouth cancer has evolved significantly over recent years. The primary approach often involves surgery, particularly for early-stage cancers. This may be followed by radiotherapy to lower the risk of recurrence. For more advanced cases, a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy, is typically employed.

The article also highlights promising developments in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, which are showing encouraging results in clinical trials. “Sometimes a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy means that people with mouth cancers can avoid surgery altogether,” the article notes, indicating a shift towards less invasive treatment options. Immunotherapy drugs, which help boost the body’s immune response against cancer cells, are contributing to increased survival rates.

The Need for Awareness and Government Action

Despite advancements in treatment, the prognosis for mouth cancer remains heavily dependent on early detection. The report calls for greater public education and improved access to NHS dental services, emphasizing the need for a government-funded mouth cancer awareness campaign. This aligns with ongoing efforts to address late diagnosis, which remains a significant barrier to improving outcomes.

Stebbing’s article concludes by stressing the critical role of healthcare professionals, including dentists and general practitioners, in identifying potential cases and educating patients about risk factors. “Improving education, increasing access to NHS dentistry and tackling late diagnosis are some of the key challenges in confronting mouth cancer,” the article states.

As research continues to focus on prevention, early detection, and innovative treatments, there is hope that these efforts will lead to better outcomes and reduce the impact of this increasingly common form of cancer.