Mouth Cancer Awareness Month
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.
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions. But it is important to have them checked by your doctor or dentist.
Kimberley's story
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.”
Fundraising for Macmillan
Kimberley decided to host a Charity Gala with money raised coming to Macmillan, Beads of Courage UK and Starlight Children’s Foundation. It is named ‘Life with the Ribbon: Charity Gala’.
Read more of Kimberley's story and her amazing fundraising galas.
Support for people affected by mouth cancer
Accessing Macmillan services
Online Community
