Limerick City Dentist Participates in Mouth Cancer Awareness Day at Guinan Dental Practice, Limerick
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day 2014 in Limerick City Dental Practice Guinan Dental – Wednesday, September 17
Mouth cancer is an important global healthcare problem. There are more than 300 cases of cancer of the mouth (oral cavity and pharynx) reported in Ireland every year. These cancers are more common in men than in women. However this is changing. The incidence rate of cancer of the mouth in women has increased significantly at a rate of 3% per year since 1994. It mainly affects older people although younger people are being diagnosed now. In Britain, the incidence of mouth cancer has increased faster than any other cancer in the past 25 years.
According to the National Cancer Registry in Ireland, roughly half of all mouth cancers and even less of cancers of the pharynx are diagnosed at an early stage. This can result in more complex treatment with greater impact on quality of life and overall survival. Whilst it depends on the cancer site we know that more than half of those treated will have good survival outcomes and this continues to improve each year.
Early detection of mouth cancer greatly improves the chances of survival.
To find out more about mouth cancer, the signs and symptoms, the risk factors or other information about cancer please follow the link www.cancer.ie.
Dentists have a key role to play in the early detection of mouth cancer and in the prevention of the disease by identifying those patients who are exposed to risk factors.
On Wednesday September 17th, Dr. Tommy Guinan, dentist in Limerick city carried out free mouth cancer examinations. The examinations are quick and painless and we were delighted that people took this important opportunity.
If you did not have the opportunity to visit a dentist in Limerick yesterday for your mouth cancer examination and have concerns, please call us on (061) 305653 and book an appointment to visit the dentist at our practice in Dooradoyle, Limerick. During your appointments with us Dr, Tommy Guinan will screen for oral cancer and checks for any signs or abnormalities. It is important to come see the dentist if you notice ulcers or lumps in your mouth or neck persisting for more than a week.
If you are concerned about cancer, worried about symptoms or you just want to know more about how you can reduce your risk of getting cancer why not talk to a specialist cancer nurse on the National Cancer Helpline on freefone 1 800 200 700. The opening hours are 9-7pm Monday to Thursday and 9-5pm on Fridays. You can email the nurse also helpline@irishcancer.ie or talk to a nurse live on cancerchat or talk to others in the cancerforum at www.cancer.ie
