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Oral Cancer Awareness Month: Protecting Your Health Starts with a Smile

23/04/2025

April marks the Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to shine a light on a condition that affects thousands each year but is often overlooked. At The Link Dental Surgery in Yateley, Hampshire, we’re committed to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting our patients in maintaining their oral and overall health.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, throat, and sinuses. It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

Key facts:

• Over 8,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year in the UK, according to the Oral Health Foundation.
• Late diagnosis is common, often leading to more complex treatment.
• Early detection increases the survival rate significantly.

Common Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we urge everyone to check for the following symptoms and seek dental or medical advice if they notice anything unusual:

• Persistent mouth ulcers or sores that don’t heal Lumps or thickened tissue in the mouth or neck
• Red or white patches inside the mouth Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw/tongue
• Numbness or unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• A persistent sore throat or hoarseness

Risk Factors You Should Know

Some lifestyle choices and health factors increase your risk of developing oral cancer:

• Smoking and tobacco use (including chewing tobacco)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
• Poor diet and low intake of fruits and vegetables
• Excessive sun exposure to the lips
• Age, with higher risk in people over 40

The Role of Regular Dental Check-ups

At The Link Dental Surgery, we routinely check for signs of oral cancer during every dental exam. Your dentist is trained to spot the early symptoms – sometimes before you notice them yourself. Early detection truly can save lives. That’s why we encourage everyone in the Yateley and Hampshire area to stay up to date with their dental check-ups.

How We’re Supporting Oral Cancer Awareness Month

This April, our team at The Link Dental Surgery is proud to:

• As always, your routine check up includes Oral cancer screening with strong emphasise on prevention
• Provide educational materials in-practice
• Answer any questions our patients may have about oral cancer risks and symptoms
• Encourage our local community to prioritise oral health

Book Your Oral Cancer Screening in Yateley Today

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, Oral Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to book in. Early detection is key – and we’re here to help.