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Mouth Cancer Awareness Month

November is mouth cancer awareness month. Whether you are directly impacted or you'd like to find out more, we have information that can help.
Find out more about mouth cancer

What is mouth cancer

Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer.

Mouth cancer can start at 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. We have more information about mouth cancer.

Symptoms of mouth cancer

The most common symptom of mouth cancer is a mouth ulcer or sore that does not heal in 3 weeks. The areas that may be affected include the:

  • inside of the cheeks
  • roof of the mouth
  • lip
  • gum
  • tongue.

There are other possible symptoms of mouth cancer. For example, pain in the mouth or red or white patches in the mouth. We have more information about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.

If you have any of these symptoms or notice anything unusual for you see your GP straightaway.

 

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Claire on regaining strength after cancer treatment

Read Claire’s story about overcoming throat and neck cancer treatment, the challenges she faced, and how she regained her strength with support from Macmillan.

Related resources

Booklets
 01 Mar 2022
Understanding head and neck cancer
A booklet explaining cancer of the head and neck, covering the causes and symptoms, diagnosis, staging and grading, treatments and clinical trials.  
Cover image of Understanding head and neck cancer audiobook. Edition 13. An image of a man and woman sitting talking at a garden table. They have mugs of hot drinks in front of them and it's a sunny day.
Audiobooks
 01 Mar 2022
Understanding head and neck cancers
This audiobook is about head and neck cancers, including cancers of the mouth and throat, as well as rarer cancers of the nasal cavity (inside the nose), sinuses, salivary glands and middle ear. The audiobook covers what head and neck cancer is, the signs and symptoms, different treatment options, and coping with head and neck cancer treatment.

Support for people affected by mouth cancer

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Online community

The Online Community is a place to chat to others who know what you or your loved one are going through. Here you'll find dedicated forums for mouth cancer including the mouth cancer forum and head and neck cancer forum. 

You will also find informative blogs such as 'how often do you check yourself for mouth cancer?'.

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Accessing Macmillan services

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Cancer and cost of living advice

Cancer can have a big impact on your finances and you may be worried about rises to energy bills and other costs of living.

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Further support

We can help you find support in your local area, so you can speak to people who understand what you or your loved are going through.

Other organisations with information include: NHS, Mouth Cancer Foundation and Oral Health Foundation.

Fundraise for mouth cancer awareness month

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Fundraise in memory

Find out more about the different ways you can fundraise in memory of a family member or friend. 

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Eastbourne Triathlon 2025

Join Team Macmillan for the Eastbourne Triathlon 2025 and help us raise money for people living with cancer.

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Scottish Half Marathon 2025

Join us for the Scottish Half Marathon 2025 and help us raise money for people living with cancer

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Great Manchester Run 10K

By joining us you'll know that you're helping improve the lives of people living with cancer in the UK today.

More cancer awareness dates