Mouth Cancer Action Month: The Signs to Check For and Why Check-Ups Matter

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, a campaign run each year by the Oral Health Foundation to help people spot mouth cancer early. Every routine check-up at Dentistry on Gipsy Hill includes a check for the early signs, and this is a good moment to explain what we look for and what you can look out for yourself.

Why mouth cancer matters

Mouth cancer is becoming more common. According to NHS England figures published in October 2025, there are now 9,293 new cases a year in England, a record high and a 37% increase over the past decade. Mouth cancer is also responsible for 2,970 deaths a year in England.

The encouraging part is that mouth cancer is much more treatable when it’s found early, and many early signs are visible in the mouth. That’s where regular dental check-ups make a real difference.

The signs to look out for

The NHS lists these as possible symptoms of mouth cancer. See a dentist or GP if you notice any of them, especially if they haven’t gone away after three weeks:

• a mouth ulcer that lasts more than three weeks
• a red or white patch inside your mouth
• a lump inside your mouth or on your lip
• pain inside your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty speaking, or a hoarse voice
• a lump in your neck or throat
• losing weight without trying

Most of these will turn out to be something far less serious. But it’s always worth getting them checked, and the earlier the better.

A quick self-check at home

Once a month, in good light and with a mirror, take a minute to look and feel:

• Lips and gums. Look at the inside of your lips and all around your gums.
• Cheeks. Pull each cheek out gently and look at the inside lining.
• Tongue. Stick your tongue out and look at the top, sides and underneath.
• Roof and floor of the mouth. Tilt your head back to see the roof, then lift your tongue to see the floor.
• Neck. Feel gently along both sides of your neck and under your jaw for any lumps.

If anything looks or feels different, or doesn’t go away within three weeks, get in touch.

What increases the risk

Anyone can develop mouth cancer, but some things make it more likely:

Smoking and other tobacco use. This includes chewing tobacco and paan. Tobacco is one of the biggest risk factors.

Drinking alcohol. The more you drink, the higher the risk. Smoking and drinking together raise the risk much more than either alone.

HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV is linked to some cancers at the back of the mouth and throat, including the tonsils.

Age. Most cases are diagnosed in people over 50, although it can affect younger adults too.

Cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables all help lower your risk. If you’d like support to stop smoking, your GP or pharmacist can point you to free NHS services.

How your dental check-up helps

At every routine examination, your dentist checks your whole mouth, not just your teeth. That includes your tongue, cheeks, gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, and your lips and neck. It takes a couple of minutes and is part of the appointment as standard.

If we see anything that needs a closer look, we’ll explain what we’ve found and, where appropriate, refer you to a specialist team for further assessment. For most people, regular check-ups are the simplest way to make sure a change doesn’t go unnoticed.

Book your check-up

If it’s been more than a year since your last check-up, Mouth Cancer Action Month is a good reason to book. New patients can book a new patient appointment, which includes a full mouth examination, or call us on 020 8670 2296.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above that have lasted more than three weeks, don’t wait for a routine appointment. Contact us or your GP straight away.

This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.