Annual cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK have risen to 10,825 according to newly-released data, up from 8,864 the previous year.
According to the Oral Health Foundation’s State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2024, this has increased by 38% in the past decade and 133% in the last 20 years. Last year, 3,637 people died as a result of mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer now accounts for just over 2% of all cancers, the 10th most common form in the UK. This rises to ninth in men alone, with two thirds of oral cancer cases occurring in men.
Age is a significant factor for mouth cancer, with 81% of patients aged over 55. Almost six in 10 (58%) oral cancer cases are diagnosed in the 55-74 age group.
Another influence is deprivation levels. Men in the most deprived areas have a 101% higher chance of oral cancer, while women experience a 64% higher likelihood.
Scotland has a greater incidence of mouth cancer compared to the rest of the UK, at 19.2 cases per 100,000 people. Levels are lowest in Northern Ireland (13 cases per 100,000).
Where does mouth cancer appear?
Mouth cancer is more common in some areas of the mouth than others. The most frequent locations are:
- Tonsils – 25% in men, 16% in women
- Base of tongue – 18% in men, 12% in women
- Other parts of the tongue – 13% in men, 19% in women
- Oropharynx – 6% in men, 4% in women
- Gums – 5% in men, 10% in women
- Floor of the mouth – 5% in men, 5% in women
- Parotid gland – 4% in men, 8% in women
- Palate – 4% in men, 6% in women.
Risk factors
Around two thirds of mouth cancer cases are directly caused by smoking. Smokers are 91% more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.
Alcohol is also a significant risk factor – drinking to excess is associated with around one third of cases. Those who drink between 1.5 and six units of alcohol daily may be increasing the risk of mouth cancer by 81%. For those who both drink heavily and smoke, the likelihood of oral cancer is 30 times higher.
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is linked to almost three quarters (73%) of oropharyngeal cancers and 12% of oral cavity and hypopharynx cancers.
Other risk factors include various forms of tobacco consumption, poor diet, exposure to X-rays and gamma radiation, sunlight, family history and environmental smoke.
Survival
The 3,637 annual mouth cancer deaths equate to 10 people every day. Depending on the location of the cancer, one-year survival rates are between 60% and 84%. This drops to between 18% and 57% after 10 years.
Hypopharyngeal cancer is the most deadly, with an 18% chance of survival after 10 years. Early detection boots the chances of survival by between 50% and 90%.
Across the UK, deaths from oral cancer have increased by 52% in the past 10 years.
Mouth cancer awareness
The report also explores public awareness of mouth cancer. It estimates than just over three quarters (77%) of adults are aware that cancer can develop in the mouth. Awareness is higher in woman than men, at 80% compared to 74%.
The 18 to 24 age group showed a generally lower awareness of 53%.
Awareness varied between different areas of the mouth that can develop cancers. Six in 10 (57-60%) of respondents were aware that the throat, back of the mouth and gums were potential sites for cancer. Awareness of cancer in the neck and jawbone was significantly lower at 45%.
These awareness levels are lower than many other common forms of cancer. For example, 88% of the public is estimated to be aware of breast cancer and 84% of skin cancer.
Around 80% of the population are unable to remember any public messaging surrounding oral cancer. In areas with higher prevalence of the disease, such as Scotland and Wales, 90% of people cannot remember seeing any educational materials on the topic.
Two in three of those surveyed (66%) said they would like to know more and have greater access to educational resources.
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