Check your risk of head and neck cancer with a simple 60-second mirror test as cases rise in the UK

THERE ARE more than 30 areas in the head and neck where cancer can develop – from the mouth and lips to the larynx and throat.

But collectively, head and neck cancer is the eighth most common type of disease in the UK.

There are around 13,000 new cases every year – or 35 per day – and the numbers increase by 30% every decade, experts warn.

It kills more than 4,000 annually.

The symptoms of head and neck cancer can be subtle, which means it is often diagnosed late.

But the sooner it is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, survival.

Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK (OHNCUK) has an easy 60-second self-check you can do to assess your risk at home.

The charity’s awareness director, Michelle Vickers, said: “Checking for head and neck cancer should only take 60 seconds and could save your life.

“By familiarizing yourself with your body and paying attention to any changes, such as lumps, sores, or persistent symptoms like a sore throat or difficulty swallowing, you can identify possible signs of cancer at an early stage.

“Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and can save lives.

“Make self-checks a routine part of your health regimen to stay proactive about your health and well-being.

“Regular check-ups with a dentist are also helpful, as they should perform a check for cancer symptoms as part of your oral health assessment.”

THE MIRROR TEST AT HOME

Find a large mirror with good lighting and get as close to it as possible.

“The first signs of head and neck cancer can be felt in and around the neck, throat and jaw,” the charity said.

“Check the inside of your lips and look at your gums. Are there any lumps, swellings, or red or white spots?

“Look at the back of your mouth. Stretch out your tongue and move it from side to side.

“Don’t forget to look under your tongue too.”

Next, it’s time to assess the health of your neck by feeling it under and around your jaw.

“This area can sometimes be a little spotty, especially if you’ve had a cold or other illness recently, so learn what’s normal for you,” said OHNCUK.

If you notice any of the following newly developed symptoms and have had them for more than three weeks, talk to your doctor:

“A mouth check every month can really make a difference,” said Michelle.

“If you have any concerns or notice something that doesn’t go away for three weeks, it’s important to speak to a doctor or dentist for an exam.

“The sooner you catch cancer, the greater your chances of successful treatment and recovery.

“If we look at other types of cancer as a point of comparison, early detection rates for head and neck cancers are considerably lower than other cancers.

“Early stage diagnosis for combined head and neck cancers is about 13% and we want it to be 75%.

“Let’s work together to raise awareness about how to prevent these types of cancer and improve early diagnosis of the disease.”

‘PREVENTION IS KEY’

Recognizing these symptoms is vital. But prevention is also key, and making several lifestyle changes can lower the chance of developing cancer, the charity added.

That includes:

• Quit smoking (smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes, chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes and using snuff)
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Monitoring and caring for your oral health
• Taking the HPV vaccine

According to Cancer Research UK, up to 64 percent of head and neck cancer cases are linked to exposure to tobacco smoke.

Between 22 and 38 percent are linked to alcohol consumption and up to 80 percent are linked to HPV infection.