Oral cancer is a form cancer that can occur in any part of the mouth or around the mouth. Most of the oral cancers have its beginning in the tongue and some from the floor of the mouth. Man who is older in age seems to be the predisposing factor for oral cancer. Tobacco smoking and consummation of alcohol will further increase the risk of oral cancer. The sixth most common occurring malignancy in the world is the oral and the pharyngeal cancer.
The mouth cancer foundation of UK reported 7696 cases of mouth cancers in 2004, a large number of them died a year later. The mortality rate for mouth cancer is high despite treatment. The death rate can be as high as 50% with treatment. The high death rate is because most of the mouth cancers are discovered late. Research in UK revealed that every 3 hours there is a person died from oral cancer. Recently it was found that more young people in London are getting mouth cancer.
Therefore it is important to educate the people in UK especially those in the city like London about early detection of this disease. One of the effective ways is to create self awareness about mouth cancers. Regular self examinations of oral cavity can lead to early identification.

Below are some of the symptoms that may lead to oral cancers:
1. An ulcer or sore in the mouth that does not heal after 3 weeks.
2. A sore throat which last more than 2 months with/without treatment.
3. A swelling or lump that is felt or seen in the mouth or around the neck for more than 3 weeks.
4. A pale or whitish patch on the tongue, inner cheek or on the gums.
5. Persistent difficulty in swallowing liquid.
6. Persistent hoarseness of voice for 2 months especially those who smoke and drink alcohol heavily.
7. Experiencing difficulty in moving the jaw and loose teeth.
8. Feeling that something is inside the throat while swallowing.
9. Sensation of numbness in the mouth or some part of the tongue.
10. One sided mass felt in the nostril with blood stained discharge.
Please visit your dentist or doctor when the above symptoms are noted.

You can further reduce the risks of suffering from oral cancers by doing the following:
a. Eating a healthier diet with less fat, less red meat, plenty of vegetables and fruits.
b. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
c. No excessive alcohol drinking.
d. Regular dental check up at yearly interval.
Early detection equates better cure rate and thus higher chance of survival. There are many modes of treatment for oral cancer. These include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Sometimes effective treatment may use a combination of these treatments