Oral cancer rates rise 'alarmingly'

The number of people in their forties diagnosed with mouth, tongue and lip cancer has increased by a quarter in the past decade.

According to figures today from Cancer Research UK, oral cancer is "largely preventable", with smoking and drinking alcohol among the main risk factors.

However, experts believe the increase is down to alcohol consumption, as they say cancers caused by smoking often take 30 years to develop, and smoking rates have gone down while drinking has gone up.

Researchers also point to diets low in fruit and vegetables and the sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus (HPV) as reasons for the increase.

Hazel Nunn, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "These latest figures are really alarming.

"Alcohol consumption has doubled since the 1950s and the trend we are now seeing is likely to be linked to Britain's continually rising drinking levels.

"It's possible that HPV and diet are also playing a role, and the evidence – particularly for the role of HPV – is growing."

Oral cancer rates in the UK for men in their 40's have gone up by 28 per cent since the mid 1990's, and rates for women in their 40's have increased by 24 per cent in the same period.

Each year in the UK around 5,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer and around 1,800 people die from the disease.

Cancer Research UK say the most common signs of oral cancer are ulcers, sores, red or white patches in the mouth that last longer than three weeks and unexplained pain in the mouth or ear. Less common signs include a lump in the neck, a persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing.

"The good news is that oral cancer can be treated successfully if it's caught early enough. It's important that people go to the dentist regularly and report any symptoms to their GP or dentist without delay," Hazel Nunn added.