By spotting mouth cancer early, we have a much better chance of beating it.

During Mouth Cancer Action Month we are promoting the message ‘if in doubt, get checked out’. We encourage everybody to be mouthaware and pay close attention to what’s going on with their mouth.

Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer include:

• Mouth ulcers that don't heal.
• Red or white patches in the mouth.
• Lumps and swellings in the mouth, head or neck.
• A persistent sore throat.
• Having pain or difficulty swallowing.
• Speech problems.
• Weight loss.
• Bad breath.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor to get it checked by a professional.

How to check your mouth

A mouth cancer check can be done at home and it takes less than one minute. Here is a step-by-step diagram for you to follow.

Download 'Be Mouthaware: Learn To Check For Mouth Cancer' handout (A4)

You can also watch the video below.

How else can mouth cancer be spotted early?

Dentists check for mouth cancer as part of your normal check-up, sometimes without you even realising.

In the below video, Oral Health Foundation Past President and spokesperson, Dr Ben Atkins, talks through what to expect from a visual mouth cancer check.