Alarming rise in oral cancer rates in over-40s

Rates of oral cancers, such as cancers of the mouth, tongue and lip, have increased by around a quarter in the past decade among people in their 40s, according to figures from Cancer Research UK.

Smoking and alcohol are the biggest risk factors for oral cancer, which is often a preventable disease.

Because cancer caused by smoking can take up to 30 years to develop, it is unlikely that the increase in people in their forties is due to this. As smoking rates have gone down and alcohol consumption has gone up, experts conclude that it is this increase in drinking that is responsible for these developments.

Other possible factors include a reduction in the amount of fruit and vegetables that we eat, and possibly a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).

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

For both men and women of all ages, oral cancer rates have increased by more than 45 per cent since records began in 1975.

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

"Around three quarters of oral cancers are thought to be caused by smoking and drinking alcohol."

She underlined that tobacco remains the main risk factor for oral cancer, but for those in their 40s other factors seem to be contributing to the increased rates.

She added "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."

About oral cancer

Each year in the UK around 5,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer and around 1,800 people die from the disease. Oral cancers include those of the lip, tongue, mouth, parts of the pharynx and piriform sinus. Around a third of oral cancers are diagnosed in the mouth and a slightly lower proportion on the tongue.

Symptoms of oral cancer

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.

Treatment of oral cancer

If caught early enough then oral cancer can be treated successfully. Regular dental visits are important, and any changes in your mouth should be notified to your GP or dentist.

This article was published on Thu 13 August 2009