Conditions · Oral cancer
Oral cancer
Largely preventable — and you can spot it yourself.
Unlike many cancers, mouth cancer can often be noticed by you, in the mirror. Getting into the habit of looking, and improving your general health, both lower the risk. Around 7,500 people in the UK are diagnosed each year, and early detection greatly improves the outlook.
7,500diagnosed a year in the UK
Mouth cancer is rising — and early detection saves lives.
Cases are increasing and, at current rates, expected to double by 2030. Compared with breast and prostate cancer it is, to a large extent, preventable — but more deadly. Checking yourself monthly, as shown in the videos below, helps catch it early, when treatment works best.
Check yourself in the mirror
You simply need to get into the habit of looking regularly. Oral cancer is a largely preventable disease, and your general health is directly linked to your oral health and your immunity — so following good general-health advice lowers your risk. The videos below show you exactly what to look for. Set a monthly reminder (a fixed time, like Wednesday at 10:30pm) so it becomes a habit.
HPV
HPV (human papillomavirus) is increasing in prevalence and is a growing risk factor for mouth cancer. The Oral Health Foundation has further information and advice.
How to check yourself
Watch how it’s done
Four short videos showing you how to check your own mouth. Please check yourself monthly.
How to check your mouth
A monthly self-examination
What to look for
Making it a habit
Advice & support
Trusted information and support
Reliable, up-to-date advice on mouth cancer, and support for anyone living with cancer.
Mouth cancer — NHS
Symptoms, causes and treatment, with links to wider Live Well advice.
Visit CharityCancer Research UK
Information on mouth cancer and living with the diagnosis.
Visit CharityMouth Cancer Foundation
Support and information for people affected by mouth and throat cancers.
Visit CharityHead & Neck Cancer Foundation
Research, awareness and support for head and neck cancers.
Visit Care centrePenny Brohn UK
Free support for people living with cancer — based near Bristol.
Visit CharityOral Health Foundation
Mouth Cancer Action Month, plus advice on HPV and prevention.
VisitCommon questions
Oral cancer — your questions answered
Can I check myself for mouth cancer?
Yes — unlike many cancers, you can often spot mouth cancer in the mirror. Get into the habit of looking regularly; the videos above show how.
How common is it?
Around 7,500 people are diagnosed in the UK each year, and cases are rising — expected to double by 2030.
Is it preventable?
Largely, yes — good general and oral health lower the risk. But it can be more deadly than some other cancers, so early detection matters.
How often should I check?
Monthly. Setting a fixed reminder helps make it a habit.
What is HPV’s role?
HPV is an increasing risk factor for mouth cancer; the Oral Health Foundation has more information.
Two minutes a month
Check your own mouth monthly, and keep your general health in the green. Early detection saves lives.