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Cancer of the mouth, head and neck can devastate lives. Treatment can leave people struggling to eat, speak or swallow, with lasting effects on their appearance, mental health, relationships and livelihoods.
Head and neck cancer is now the seventh most common cancer in the UK and fifth among men. Around 14,000 people are diagnosed annually, with cases projected to exceed 16,000 by 2040.
Yet too many cancers are diagnosed late, despite preventable risks and recognisable warning signs.
The Oral Health Foundation’s new report, Tobacco, Alcohol, HPV: Closing the Risk Factor Gap, examines public awareness, professional practice and prevention policies, exposing missed opportunities to reduce risk, diagnose cancer earlier and improve quality of life. It sets out the urgent policy changes needed to save lives and better support those affected.
What we found
- Awareness is not leading to action. Half of UK adults surveyed could not name a symptom of mouth cancer, while 71% had never checked their mouth.
- Prevention is falling short. Alcohol and HPV remain poorly recognised risk factors, England has no updated alcohol strategy, and HPV vaccination coverage is uneven.
- Earlier diagnosis is critical. Five-year survival for oral cavity cancer in England was over 85% at stage 1, compared with 35% at stage 4.
- The impact lasts beyond treatment. Survivors face ongoing physical, emotional and financial challenges, with many reporting unmet support needs.
What we’re calling for
- Earlier detection: Improve access to NHS dentistry and make mouth cancer checks and risk factor advice routine, particularly for higher-risk groups.
- Stronger prevention: Implement tobacco controls, introduce a comprehensive alcohol strategy and improve HPV vaccination uptake.
- Better professional support: Equip dental and healthcare teams with the training, funding and referral pathways to identify risks and support patients.
- Fairer care: Target inequalities and ensure survivors receive coordinated, long-term support.
- National accountability: Establish clear leadership, protect policy from commercial influence and measure progress.
The message
Prevent more mouth cancers. Diagnose earlier. Support people better.
Too many opportunities to prevent mouth cancers, identify them earlier and improve life after treatment are being missed. The Oral Health Foundation is calling for coordinated government action to address these gaps, reduce avoidable diagnoses, improve survival and ensure everyone affected receives the care and support they need.
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