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Susan Richmond thought she only needed a wisdom tooth, but her dentist’s concerns led her to discover that she suffered from mouth cancer.
After it was confirmed that I had cancer, I was referred for surgery and radiation therapy, “says the 63-year-old from Cork.” Thankfully I’m fine today but I have some residual issues and drooling due to nerve damage where my lip sags down. I also find it difficult to swallow at times and my speech suffers, and I continue with daily oral exercises to keep my tongue and throat flexible.
“I would advise anyone who notices any changes in their mouth to go to their dentist to have it checked. They are trained for this and will recognize if more research is needed. Do not delay as early detection is vital.”
Now 14 years later, although she was left with some lingering side effects, she is healthy and happy with two adult children and nine grandchildren.
She would urge everyone not to rule out any uncomfortable or suspicious lumps or lumps and to seek advice as soon as possible.
Today is Mouth Cancer Awareness Day, when health experts urge people to be aware of their oral health and, if they have any concerns, to seek medical advice.
Although relatively rare, there are currently over 700 cases of mouth, head and neck cancer (MHNC) in Ireland each year.
Cancers of the larynx and tongue are the most common and are generally seen among people over the age of 55, but the number of cases among younger people is increasing.
“Early detection greatly improves the chances of survival,” says Kevin O’Hagan, director of cancer prevention for the Irish Cancer Society.
“Dentists have a key role to play in early detection and prevention of disease by advising on risk factors.
“Therefore, a quick and painless exam should be part of your routine dental checkup. And if you have any concerns, you will be referred for a more detailed examination.”
Symptoms of this type of cancer include a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal, white or red spots inside the mouth, a lump in the mouth or neck, numbness, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue.
Other symptoms include persistent sore throat and hoarseness, unexplained loose teeth, persistent nosebleeds and nasal congestion and numbness of the tongue or face.
The number of cases is projected to increase by 30% over the next 25 years, and today Ireland’s five-year survival rate is only 54%, as more than two-thirds of patients are diagnosed with late stage disease.
But despite this negative image, O’Hagan says that those who are diagnosed early can be treated effectively.
“Unfortunately, for those who are diagnosed at a late stage, the results can be poor and affected people can undergo life-altering changes in their appearance and their ability to speak, eat and swallow,” he says.
“That is why raising awareness of the risk factors and early signs of MHNC is so important to reducing the burden of this disease for the Irish population.
“But excellent results can be achieved for patients with early-stage disease.”
Visit www.mouthcancer.ie or contact the Irish Cancer Society’s Oncology Nurse Line at toll free 1800200700.
Irish independent
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