A person is sitting down on a chair in a clinic. They are speaking using a voice prostheses. Next to them is another person who is sitting down and listening to them speak.

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.

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.

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.

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

 

Find out more about mouth cancer

Experiences from people affected by cancer

Woman standing outdoors holding a medical radiotherapy mask used in cancer treatments. She is smiling, wearing a grey dress.

Claire

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.

Kimberley

Kimberley was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma after a lump on the back of her tongue and a lump on her neck was discovered. She had a third of her tongue removed and also had surgery on her neck to remove the lymph nodes.
 
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was quite shocked as I was only 18. A Macmillan nurse introduced herself and asked if I wanted to talk. We went into a different room and had a chat, I was worrying about how to tell my friends."
 
“Throughout my whole time of surgery, Lisa was in contact with me and answered any of my questions. She came to my house for a post-surgery review which was so nice for me to be in my own environment and the fact she made the effort to come and see me.”

Support for people affected by mouth cancer

Two dark green teacups on a light green background.

Accessing Macmillan services

A dark green laptop on a light green background.

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 head and neck cancer forum. 

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

A dark green signpost with four different arrows on a light green background.

Other organisations and support

Other organisations with information include:

Ways to get involved

A person is donating £10 in a Coffee Morning donation box. It is on a table full of delicious bites and treats.
Donate

With your help, we can be there for people living with cancer.

A woman at a fundraising event wearing a green, Macmillan running vest. She's looking away from the camera and smiling.
Fundraise

Join Team Macmillan to raise money for people diagnosed with cancer.

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Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. We have opportunities to suit your skills.