Mouth Cancer Action Month – how to be 'mouthaware'

Posted: 11/11/2025

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, a charity campaign organised by the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the Oral Health Foundation. The campaign raises awareness of mouth cancer and shares the important message of being 'mouthaware'.

Mouth cancer affects over 10,800 people annually in the UK, and tragically, many cases are diagnosed too late. The number of diagnoses has increased by 38% in the last decade, and by 133% compared with 20 years ago. Mouth cancer or oral cancer now claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined, and it is twice as common in men than in women. The key to improving survival is early detection, yet public awareness remains dangerously low.

What is mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer is the general term given to the variety of malignant tumours that develop in the oral cavity (mouth). It can start in any part of the mouth and is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer. The most common places for mouth cancer to develop are on the side of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get mouth cancer, but the risk increases with age. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 66 and 70.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation promotes awareness of all head and neck cancers i.e. throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), salivary glands, nose, paranasal, sinuses, lips and skin.

The risk of developing mouth cancer is increased by tobacco use (the main cause of mouth cancer), drinking excess alcohol, poor diet, and infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). Drinking and smoking together can make mouth cancer up to 30 times more likely to develop, and exposure to the sun is a cause of skin cancer which can affect the lips and face.

What are the symptoms? 

The most common symptom of mouth cancer is a mouth ulcer or sore that does not heal in three weeks, however there are several other symptoms you should look out for, including: 

• an ulcer or white or red patch anywhere in the mouth that does not heal within three weeks;
• a lump or swelling anywhere in the mouth, jaw or neck that persists for more than three weeks;
• difficulty swallowing, chewing or moving the jaw or tongue;
• numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth;
• a feeling that something is caught in the throat;
• a chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists more than six weeks; and
• unexplained loosening of teeth.

You should make an urgent appointment with your GP or dentist if you develop any of these symptoms. 

Be 'mouthaware' – it saves lives

A self-check for mouth cancer takes 45 seconds and can save your life. Regular self-exams increase the chance of identifying changes or new growths early, and the survival rate of oral cancer when found at an early stage of development is between 80% and 90%. There are seven checks you can do at home which include:

1. Face – look for swellings you have not noticed before and inspect your skin. Turn your head from side to side, stretching the skin over the muscles, making lumps easier to see.
2. Neck – run your fingers under your jaw and feel either side of your neck. Are there any swellings?
3. Lips – pull your upper lip upwards and bottom lip downwards. Look inside for any sores or changes in colour.
4. Gums – examine your gums, feeling around the gum for anything unusual.
5. Cheeks – open your mouth and pull your cheek away one side at a time. Look for any red or white patches. Check for ulcers, lumps or tenderness.
6. Tongue – gently pull out your tongue and examine one side then the other. Look for swellings, ulcers or changes in colour. Examine the underside of your tongue.
7. Floor and roof of mouth – tilt your head back and open your mouth. Then lift your tongue up and look at the floor of the mouth, observing changes in colour, ulcers or swellings.

What if you find something unusual? 

The earlier mouth cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Dentists can spot the early signs during routine appointments, so it is important that you attend for regular check-ups. 

See your GP or dentist if you notice a change that is not normal for you, or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of mouth cancer outlined above. 

If you make an appointment to see your GP or dentist, they should ask you questions about your symptoms, lifestyle and any other medical conditions you have; they should then look and feel inside your mouth and feel your neck and jaw. They will feel for any areas that might be swollen, painful or not feel normal.

If your GP or dentist feels you may have mouth cancer, they should refer you to a specialist for further tests and investigation. Depending on what area is to be investigated, tests could include taking a biopsy of the area of concern, an X-ray, ultrasound scans, a CT scan, or an MRI scan.

Errors in the diagnosis and treatment of mouth cancer

Any delay or error in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is devastating for a patient and their loved ones; however, there are occasions where symptoms are missed, or mistakes are made by medical professionals which can have life-altering consequences. The most common errors include: 

• failure to identify symptoms of cancer;
• failure to refer to specialists in a timely manner;
• failure to refer to the correct specialist;
• failure to refer for further tests and investigations;
• delay in arranging further tests and investigations;
• incorrect tests and investigations being carried out; and
• failure to identify/act on abnormal test results. 

Errors in the diagnosis, test reporting, and treatment of mouth cancer can impact treatment options and potentially affect a patient's survival. If the errors were negligent and resulted in avoidable harm, a patient may be entitled to bring a medical negligence claim for compensation.

How to get involved in raising awareness

On 12 November 2025, the Oral Health Foundation is leading a day of awareness designated 'Blue Wednesday' to encourage the public to perform a self-check for the early signs of mouth cancer. Other awareness events include wearing something blue and posting photos on social media with hashtags like #BlueWednesday, wearing a blue ribbon badge, or participating in local events. More information and support can be found here.

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