Every November, the Mouth Cancer Foundation organises Mouth Cancer Action Month — a dedicated campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer, its causes, its warning signs and the crucial role early detection plays in saving lives.
Here at The Priors Dental Practice, we are proud to support this year’s campaign — not only because we are passionate about oral health and prevention, but because we believe deeply in the difference that regular dental care and awareness can make. This article explains the current campaign, what you need to know (risk factors, signs, prevention), and how you as our patient can join us in making it meaningful.
Understanding the challenge: Why mouth cancer must get our attention
Mouth cancer (also referred to as oral cancer) is unfortunately rising. According to the Foundation, over 10,825 people in the UK have been diagnosed this year. It claims more lives each year than cervical and testicular cancer combined.
One of the greatest challenges is that many people do not recognise early signs, or dismiss minor symptoms until it is too late. While smoking and alcohol remain important risk factors, mouth cancer can affect anyone.
For us in the dental profession, this highlights the urgency of our role: screening, early detection and educating patients are all indispensable.
What the 2025 campaign focuses on
This year, Mouth Cancer Action Month emphasises three key themes: prevention, early detection and self-checks, and broader public and professional awareness.
Prevention
The campaign focuses on lifestyle factors that increase risk: smoking (including vaping), excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and the influence of human papillomavirus (HPV). At our practice, we will be engaging patients in conversations about how daily habits impact not just tooth health, but oral cancer risk too.
Early detection and self-check
A central “life-saving” message of the campaign is to look out for unexplained red or white patches, persistent ulcers lasting more than three weeks, lumps or swellings, or unexplained numbness or changes within the mouth. The Foundation encourages everyone to carry out self-checks at home, alongside professional screenings.
Raising awareness among professionals and the public
Dental, medical and pharmacy teams are encouraged to take part by displaying materials, hosting educational sessions and engaging with their community. For you as a patient, this means you’ll see visible reminders in the practice — posters, leaflets and conversations — as part of your regular visit.
How The Priors Dental Practice is participating
At The Priors Dental Practice, we believe awareness must lead to action. This month, our involvement includes:
In-practice materials and conversations
We have displayed official Mouth Cancer Action Month posters and leaflets throughout the practice. During every routine check-up in November, our hygienists and dentists will ask about mouth cancer risk factors and carry out a full soft-tissue screening — something we already perform routinely, but with additional emphasis this month.
Home self-check guidance
We will also share simple instructions for carrying out mouth cancer self-checks at home, helping you to feel confident spotting early warning signs.
Lifestyle discussion
During your visit, we’ll invite you to discuss lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol intake, diet and oral hygiene habits. Together, we will explore achievable steps to reduce your risk — from quit-smoking support to improving nutrition and maintaining good oral care routines.
Open invitation
If you, or someone close to you, notices anything unusual — such as a sore or patch lasting more than three weeks, a lump, or any concerning change — please contact us immediately. Early referral makes a substantial difference in outcomes.
What you as a patient should do: Three simple steps
1. Know your risk and reduce it
- Stop smoking (or avoid starting) — the biggest modifiable risk factor.
- Limit alcohol consumption — the heavier the use, the higher the risk.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups.
- Protect against HPV where eligible and understand that even non-smokers can develop mouth cancer.
2. Perform a self-check once a month
You only need a mirror and good lighting.
Check:
- Inside your lips
- Under your tongue
- Your cheeks
- The roof of your mouth
- Your gums and mouth floor
Look for:
- Red or white patches
- Lumps or swellings
- Ulcers lasting longer than three weeks
- Numbness or changes in sensation
- Hoarseness or unexplained ear pain
If you notice anything unusual, book an appointment promptly.
3. Attend your dental appointments and talk openly
Your routine dental visit is more than a cleaning — it is a vital health check. Let us know about any changes, no matter how small. Early detection leads to more straightforward treatment and better outcomes.
Why the dental practice and patient partnership matters
As dental professionals, we are uniquely positioned to examine areas of the mouth that patients cannot easily see. We can spot abnormalities early — but only if you attend regularly and feel comfortable talking openly with us.
By combining your awareness and our professional expertise, we strengthen the campaign message: awareness saves lives. We also help break the cycle of public unawareness, encouraging conversations that can protect entire communities.
What happens if something is spotted?
If a self-check or in-practice screening identifies something of concern — such as a persistent ulcer, suspicious patch or lump — we will:
- Refer you promptly according to national guidelines
- Explain everything clearly and support you through the process
- Highlight that early detection usually means less invasive treatment and a better prognosis
Mouth cancer is one of the few cancers where early visual or tactile signs can appear — making early detection realistic and achievable.
Final word: Why it matters to you
At The Priors Dental Practice, your oral health extends far beyond teeth and gums. It includes vigilance around conditions such as mouth cancer. Mouth Cancer Action Month is an ideal reminder — but staying “mouth aware” is a year-round habit.
Know your mouth.
Talk to us openly.
Act quickly if something changes.
Your role: self-checks, awareness and attending appointments.
Our role: careful screening, clear communication and fast referral when needed.
Together, we greatly increase the chance that if mouth cancer were ever to develop, it is caught early — when treatment outcomes are far more successful.
If you would like to learn more or access resources, visit the official campaign page at the Mouth Cancer Foundation’s website: https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/mouth-cancer-action-month/
Together, we can keep the conversation going — not just this month, but every month.
