The theme for 2007s Mouth cancer awareness week is 'If in doubt - get checked out.' It is to remind the public of the importance of early detection of oral cancer. The campaign is to make the public focus on the common early symptoms of mouth cancer which are:

	Mouth Ulcers that don’t heal
	White or red patches
	Any unusual changes in your mouth

Major risk factors of mouth cancer are:

Smoking
Drinking alcohol to excess
Chewing tobacco
Poor diet

Dental practices have a massive role to play in early detection of mouth cancer. It is our responsibility to carry out routine mouth cancer checks during your regular checkup appointments, and also provide information on the condition.



We are helping to promote the Blue Ribbon Badge. On our reception desk is a donation box and for a £1 you will receive a blue ribbon badge. This donation goes to help research into better methods for treating and better understanding mouth cancer. It is important for people to wear the blue ribbon badge as it will make people ask them what it represents. Our staff wear the blue ribbon badge to show support for a condition that effects the face and basic human functions like eating and talking.

Last years Blue ribbon campaign sold over 15,000 badges (an excellent number seeming it was the campaigns second year.) The survival chances have increased from just one in two to nice out of ten. That is why Mouth Cancer Awareness week is SO important.

For more information visit your dentist or visit http://www.mouthcancer.org/

REMEMBER

Early detection saves lives, so it is vital that people know what to look out for.

If in doubt - get checked out!