Tobacco
If you are currently using tobacco, you should quit. Tobacco comes in various forms, including:
- cigarettes
- pipe tobacco
- cigars
- cigarillos
- snuff (powdered tobacco that is designed to be snorted into the nose)
- chewing tobacco
All of these products will increase your chances of developing mouth cancer, as well as lung and bladder cancer and other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
Quitting smoking (or using other tobacco products) will bring both short- and long-term health benefits. For example, if you go without smoking for 10 years, your risk of developing mouth cancer will be the same as somebody who has never smoked.
If you decide to stop smoking, your GP will be able to refer you to an NHS Stop Smoking Service, which will provide you with dedicated help and advice about the best ways to give up smoking. You can also call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 022 4332. The specially trained helpline staff can offer you free expert advice and encouragement.
If you are committed to giving up smoking but do not want to be referred to a stop smoking service, your GP can prescribe medical treatment to help with any withdrawal symptoms after you quit. See Treatment for quitting smoking and Live Well - stop smoking for more information about giving up.
Alcohol
Make sure you stay within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption. This will reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer and other serious health conditions.
The recommended daily limits of alcohol consumption are:
- 3 to 4 units of alcohol for men
- 2 to 3 units for women
A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.
Contact your GP if you find it difficult to moderate your drinking. Counselling services and medication can help you to reduce your alcohol intake.
See Alcohol misuse - treatment for more information and advice.
Diet
Research has shown that eating a ‘Mediterranean-style diet’ can reduce your risk of getting mouth cancer. This is a diet that is high in fresh vegetables (particularly tomatoes), citrus fruits, olive oil and fish.
Eating five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day will also help to prevent mouth cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Fruit and vegetables contain special chemicals known as antioxidants, which some scientists believe can help protect cells from becoming damaged. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach and cabbage, are thought to provide the most protection against cancer.
Self-examination
If you are in a high-risk group for getting mouth cancer, check your mouth regularly for symptoms of cancer. If detected early enough, treatment for mouth cancer is much more likely to be successful and relatively non-invasive. High-risk groups include:
- smokers (or other tobacco users), especially if you have been a smoker for many years
- heavy drinkers (more than 4 units a day)
- men
- those aged 40 years or over
Use a mirror to check the inside of your mouth, your tongue and the space under your tongue for any changes in colour. Run your finger around your mouth and tongue to check for any lumps. Report anything unusual to your dentist or GP.
Also have a dental check-up at least once every two years. More frequent check-ups may be required if you have a history of dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist will be able to advise you.
