Mouth cancer rates increase, Public Health Wales says

Smoking can lead to cancer in the mouth or throat

Mouth cancer rates are up but short term survival is improving, latest figures from Public Health Wales have shown.

The analysis showed more people were being diagnosed, and the majority at a late stage.

It said while the one-year survival rate was improving rapidly, there was little change in the five-year rate.

Dyfed Wyn Huws, director of the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, said it was worrying.

"Smoking is a major preventable risk factor for mouth cancer, but smoking rates are decreasing in Wales," he added.

Anup Karki, consultant in dental public health, said: "We need to improve on early diagnosis using effective methods, which should lead to earlier treatment."

Symptoms include unexplained lumps or swelling in the mouth, ulcers and soreness that do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches, persistent numbness and loose teeth when there is no history of gum disease.

The Welsh Government's Cancer Delivery Plan for Wales 2016-2020 has made raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer a priority.