Woman’s Battle with Mouth Cancer Highlights Urgent Need for Dental Check-ups

UK: Barbara Boyd, a 65-year-old woman from Kirkcaldy, believed she had a harmless ulcer, only to discover, five months later, that it was mouth cancer, resulting in the loss of part of her tongue. Barbara, a former PE teacher, is now on a mission to raise awareness about the severity of this condition during Mouth Cancer Awareness Month.

Missed Signs and Delayed Diagnosis

Barbara initially perceived the issue as an ulcer on her gum, which she thought she had cut on a crisp. Despite visiting her dentist three times due to discomfort, the condition went unnoticed. 

Even her GP failed to identify the problem. It was only during a chance visit to a practice nurse that the tumour on her tongue was finally spotted.

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Biopsy Reveals Cancerous Growth

Upon referral to an oral maxillofacial consultant, Barbara underwent a biopsy, which unexpectedly returned positive for cancer. Subsequent surgery to remove the tumour led to the loss of part of her tongue, requiring her to relearn essential functions such as speaking, eating, and swallowing. A more extensive operation followed, involving a neck dissection to remove lymph nodes.

Despite facing permanent nerve damage on her neck’s left side, Barbara considers herself fortunate. She now actively participates in the Let’s Talk About Mouth Cancer campaign, aiming to educate the public about the disease. 

Barbara emphasises the need for dentists to conduct thorough mouth examinations, advocating for the examination of the entire oral cavity, including the tongue.

Challenges Amid Dental Crisis and Rising Oral Cancer Cases

Barbara’s experience sheds light on the challenges posed by the dental crisis, leading to delayed diagnoses and an increase in oral cancer cases. The pandemic-related pause in dental treatments has exacerbated the issue, with reports indicating a surge in calls to NHS 24 about toothache and oral problems.

Professor Grant McIntyre, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, underscores the profound impact of limited access to routine dental check-ups. Urgently calling for government intervention, he stresses the need for funding to ensure accessible NHS dentistry for all.

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Barbara urges individuals to be vigilant, checking not only their teeth but also the roof and floor of their mouth, lips, gums, and tongue. Any unusual signs, such as red or white patches, should prompt a visit to the dentist for a comprehensive examination.

In light of Barbara’s story, the pressing need for accessible dental care is underscored, emphasising the role of routine check-ups in early detection and prevention of severe health issues.