How to check for mouth cancer at home
Checking for mouth cancer takes less than a minute - so it’s a really good idea to get into the habit of checking regularly for the early signs, especially when you’re in between dental visits. You’re probably best off doing a self check once per month.
Start by washing your hands, and then take a quick look at your face and have a feel around for any unusual lumps or bumps around your head and neck.
Once that’s clear, check the inside of your mouth. Check your tongue for any unusual red or white patches, or an ulcer or lump that has lasted for longer than three weeks. Check both sides, and underneath.
Next, run your finger along the inside of both your cheeks, looking for lumps or bumps, or red or white patches.
Now check the roof of your mouth - tilt your head back slightly, and run your finger along the roof of your mouth, checking for lumps or swelling.
Finally, check your lips - use your thumb and index finger to pull down your lip and check for any red or white patches or lumps. Do this for both your top and bottom lip.
You most likely won’t find anything, but if you do find something that doesn’t look right, make sure to make an appointment with your doctor or dentist - when it doubt, check it out.
During your routine dental check-up, your dentist will look for visual signs of mouth cancer. When a dentist performs a visual mouth cancer check, they will follow the steps above, taking time to check for unusual lumps, and red or white patches on the inside of your mouth. Your dentist might check around the bottom of your neck, loosening your tie if you’re wearing one in order to check thoroughly.
In the rare occasion that your dentist finds something, they will perform the necessary tests and ensure that they can catch things early - one of the reasons why you should see your dentist as often as they recommend.
Risk factors for mouth cancer
Although we don’t know what causes most mouth cancers, there are lifestyle factors that are likely to increase your risk - which means with a few small changes, you can cut your chances of developing mouth cancer.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer by up to ten times compared to people who don’t smoke. Around two in every three mouth cancers are linked to smoking, and there is evidence that second-hand smoke at home can increase a person’s risk of mouth cancer.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol to excess can also increase your risk of developing mouth cancer, with alcohol linked to just under a third of all mouth cancers. UK guidelines recommend a maximum of 14 units of alcohol per week for both men and women.
Diet
Around a third of mouth cancers are considered to be linked to an unhealthy diet or a lack of vitamins and minerals. If you switch to a healthy, balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables, and ensure you’re getting Omega 3 (found in eggs and fish), it can help to lower your risk.
If any or most of these apply to you, it doesn’t mean that you’re certain to develop mouth cancer, but it is important that you do self-checks at home and regularly visit your dentist.
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If you’d like to make a donation to Mouth Cancer Action, you can do so by following this link - a donation to the Mouth Cancer Action Appeal will go directly towards putting oral health information into the places they’re needed, where those who are most at risk are most likely to see it.