How to Spot the Signs of
Mouth Cancer
In recent years, there has been a surge in mouth cancer diagnosis, with data from NHS England confirming that the number of mouth cancer cases in England has reached the highest levels on record. (Dentistry.co.uk, 2025)
There are more than 10,000 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK annually. (Oral Health Foundation, 2024)
Mouth cancer is the presence of abnormal cells in the oral cavity (the mouth). Mouth cancer can start in different parts of the mouth and is sometimes called oral cancer.
Symptoms
Research by the Oral Health Foundation shows that nearly 1 in 4 (23%) do not know it is possible to develop cancer in and around the mouth. Awareness of the most common symptoms and signs is as low as 1 in 5 (20%).
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Ulcers that don't heal.
- A lump in your neck.
- Pain in your mouth.
- Red or white patches in your mouth or throat.
- A persistent sore throat.
- Having pain or difficulty swallowing..
- Speech problems.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Bad breath.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer. These include:
- SMOKING
Research suggests that around 17% of mouth cancers in the UK are caused by smoking.
- ALCOHOL
Consumption of alcohol causes about 30% of mouth cancers in the UK.
- AGE
You are more likely to get mouth cancer between the ages of 65-69 years.
- FAMILY HISTORY
Head and neck cancer risk is higher in people with a brother or sister who have had a head and neck cancer. This is linked to having shared lifestyle factors, environment factors and genetic factors.
- PREVIOUS CANCER
People who have previously been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, cancer of the food pipe, or lung cancer are more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Factors that can reduce your risk of mouth cancer include having a healthy diet and increasing your physical activity.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can all be signs of other conditions.
If you recognise any of these symptoms, the NHS advises speaking to a health professional such as your GP or dentist for more information.
Cancer Research UK, 2025. Mouth Cancer. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer
[Accessed 6th August 2026].
Cancer Research UK, 2026. Mouth Cancer. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer/symptoms
[Accessed 3rd August 2026].
Dentistry.co.uk, 2025. Mouth Cancers in England Hit Record High. [Online]
Available at: https://dentistry.co.uk/2025/10/30/mouth-cancer-cases-in-england-hit-record-high/
[Accessed 4th August 2026].
Oral Health Foundation, 2024. Mouth Cancer Cases in the UK Hit Record High. [Online]
Available at: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/mouth-cancer-cases-in-the-uk-hit-record-high
[Accessed 6th August 2026].
This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please speak to a healthcare professional.
