Bupa Dental Care shares powerful stories of oral cancer for Mouth Cancer Action Month, plus what dental professionals can do to help.
Mouth cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK. Last year alone, over 10,800 new cases were diagnosed – a 38% increase over the past decade and 133% higher than 20 years ago. Yet despite the rise, public awareness remains worryingly low. Only 20% of UK adults can identify its major signs and symptoms and just 8% are aware of the key risk factors. (Source: State of Mouth Cancer UK Report, Oral Health Foundation).
For dental professionals, these figures reinforce the importance of vigilance during routine examinations. The following patient stories illustrate how subtle signs, when recognised early, can lead to life-saving outcomes.
Steve’s Story: a tiny white mark that changed everything
Steve first noticed a small white blemish on his tongue. He assumed it was stress-related or caused by teeth grinding. But after three weeks, it hadn’t gone away. His GP recommended a dental check-up and that referral proved lifesaving.
‘My dentist didn’t think it looked serious, but she still referred me to a head and neck cancer specialist. That referral led to a biopsy, and that biopsy found cancer.’
Steve underwent major surgery, including a partial glossectomy, tracheostomy, lymph node removal, and a forearm tissue transplant. As a national sales manager, the fear of losing his voice was overwhelming but his recovery was remarkable. Within three months, he was back at work, speaking clearly and able to eat.
‘Speed is everything. If I’d acted sooner, the surgery might have been smaller. Don’t let anyone delay you, that includes yourself.’
Pawel’s Story: a routine check that led to a life-saving discovery
Pawel’s diagnosis began with recurring tonsillitis. After seeking further investigation through his Bupa insurance, an MRI revealed an unexpected lesion under his tongue. Due to its location, a biopsy couldn’t be performed immediately, and he was referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Bupa’s Basinghall Clinic.
‘I popped out from work to see the surgeon. He examined me and said: “Let’s remove it and send it for biopsy.” It all happened so fast.’
The lesion turned out to be adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Pawel underwent surgery to remove the floor of his mouth, a neck resection, and a forearm tissue transplant. Recovery was intense, but with speech therapy and determination, he returned to work within three months.
‘If I hadn’t pushed to find out what was wrong with my tonsils, I don’t know when or if we’d have found it. Catching it early made all the difference.’
The dental team’s role in early detection
Both Steve and Pawel’s stories highlight the critical importance of early diagnosis and the unique position dentists hold in spotting mouth cancer during routine check-ups.
Dr Neil Sikka, director of dentistry at Bupa Dental Care, commented: ‘As dental professionals, we’re in a unique position to spot the early signs of mouth cancer. Routine check-ups give us the opportunity to notice subtle changes that patients may overlook. By incorporating cancer screening into everyday practice, we can help ensure timely referrals and potentially life-saving outcomes.’
Dental teams are well-versed in the clinical presentation of mouth cancer, but Steve and Pawel’s stories serve as a reminder that even minor or incidental findings can be significant. A small white mark or unexplained lesion may be the first indication of something more serious.
While many symptoms may have benign explanations, persistence or unusual presentation should always prompt further investigation. Routine examinations remain one of the most effective tools for early detection. Key symptoms to watch for include:
- Mouth ulcers that do not heal within two to three weeks
- Unexplained lumps in the mouth or swollen cervical lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing that persists for several weeks
- Red or white patches on the oral mucosa
- Teeth becoming loose without periodontal cause
- Unexplained bleeding, numbness, or changes in sensation in the mouth.
Early recognition and timely referral can significantly improve patient outcomes. These stories reinforce the impact dental professionals can have on a patient’s life, often during what begins as a routine appointment.
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This article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.
