The Mouth Cancer Charter

November 25, 2024|News, Raising awareness

The Mouth Cancer Charter has been created by the Oral Health Foundation as part of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month. It addresses the alarming rise in mouth cancer cases in the UK, with over 10,825 diagnoses each year – a 133% increase over two decades.

With survival rates remaining low at just 50% after five years, largely due to a lack of public awareness, the Mouth Cancer Charter outlines seven key measures to combat the issue.

Key Measures outlined

These include a government funded campaign to;

improve knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors,
enhanced access to routine dental care,
better training for healthcare professionals,
streamlined referral pathways,
and investment in advanced diagnostic technologies.

Female dentist looking at patient´s mouth using high density light. — Dentist undertaking a dental check-up.

Free dental check ups ensure fair access to care

The Charter also advocates for free dental check-ups and treatment for mouth cancer patients, removing financial barriers and ensuring fair access to care.

By implementing these measures, the Charter, signed by Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK, aims to save lives, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the burden of mouth cancer across the UK.

Download the charter – click here!

Please get involved

We need your help! Join our RACE against time by donating, fundraising, or spreading awareness. Every action makes a difference.⏳ Every day counts when it comes to cancer – let’s make sure no one has to wait.💬 Join us in demanding better care!

See also patient stories to hear about other people diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancers including mouth cancer.

Have you got a symptom, are you being diagnosed, going through treatment, or a friend/carer of someone who is? Please join our private Facebook Group to get support and advice from fellow patients and carers.