Today is Blue Wednesday

As part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, the Oral Health Foundation want to encourage as many people as possible to check their mouth for the early warning signs of mouth cancer.  

Known as Blue Wednesday the aim is to get more people regularly checking themselves for mouth cancer because early diagnosis is vital for beating the disease.  Spotting mouth cancer early can significantly change a person's quality of life. You can take part in Blue Wednesday by sharing information about how to conduct a self-check at home.

A self check for mouth cancer takes 45 seconds and can save your life.

What to look for:

• Long lasting mouth ulcers
• Red or white patches
• Unusual lumps and swelling

Where to check

• Roof and floor of the mouth
• Inside of the cheeks
• Gums
• Tonsils
• Tongue
• Lips
• Head and neck

Who to contact if anything out of the ordinary is noticed:

• A dentist
• A doctor

The Oral Health Foundation have produced two helpful posters:  Be Mouthaware:  Self Aware   and Signs and Symptoms .