MOUTH CANCER - Early Day Motion

EDM 97

MOUTH CANCER AWARENESS WEEK, 12th TO 18th NOVEMBER 2006

15.11.2006

Lansley, Andrew

That this House notes that the 2006 Mouth Cancer Awareness Week campaign, using the tagline `If in doubt, get checked out', will run from 12th to 18th November; congratulates the British Dental Health Foundation, the Mouth Cancer Foundation, the British Dental Association and other leading health organisations who are publicising the week; expresses deep concern that mouth cancer is now one of the fastest growing types of cancer, with over 4,400 new cases diagnosed each year, more than cervical and testicular cancer combined; recognises the importance of promoting prevention of mouth cancer by encouraging tobacco cessation, moderate alcohol intake and a healthy diet; notes that self-examination is crucial as survival rates can be as high as 90 per cent. if the cancer is detected early, but are currently less than 50 per cent. once it has spread; recognises the important role played by dentists and doctors in early diagnosis of mouth cancer; and supports this vital campaign to raise public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of mouth cancer.