Published: 1 November 2023
The incidence rate for mouth cancer in Wales is increasing year on year since 2002, a new report has outlined.
The Analysis of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Rates in Wales report found that in 2002 the reported number of new cases was 171, but this has steadily increased. The number of new cases has exceeded 300 per annum for the last decade and, in 2018, reached its highest incidence of 365.
The number of new cases each year for men is nearly double that of women, with most cases seen from the age of 40 years of age. Incidence of mouth cancer peaks between 60 and 69 years of age.
Mortality data from 2002 to 2021 shows a steady increase in the number of deaths from mouth cancer. In 2002, the number of deaths was 57, but by 2021 this had almost doubled to 103.
Evidence suggests that smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, exposure to sunlight (lip) and not eating enough fruit and vegetables all increase the risk of oral cancer. There is also evidence of a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and oral cancers.
Early detection and treatment of mouth cancers increase survival rates. It is important for public and health professionals to be aware of early signs and symptoms which include:
Ulcers and swelling in the mouth that do not heal within three weeks.
Pain in the mouth.
Red or white patches in the mouth or throat.
A lump in the neck.
Unexplained weight loss.
Professor Paul Brocklehurst, Consultant in Dental Public Health at Public Health Wales, said: “The rising prevalence of oral and pharyngeal cancer has been a concerning trend observed by those working in public health for a number of years. While we are still seeing a steady increase in the number of deaths from mouth cancer, we have also observed a small improvement in survival rate at five years, although reoccurrence of the disease is not uncommon.
“As with all cancers, early diagnosis means early treatment to target cancers before they spread. If anyone notices one of the warning signs, they should either see their dental professional or their GP. It is also essential to attend routine dental check ups as dental professionals are trained to spot the early signs of mouth cancer.”
"Kama ilivyotangazwa mnamo Novemba 1, 2021, ""kiwango cha maambukizi ya saratani ya mdomo nchini Wales ni kuongezeka kila mwaka tangu 2002, ripoti mpya imeelezea." Kwa mujibu wa ripoti ya Analytical of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Rates in Wales, idadi ya wagonjwa wa saratani ya mdomo na pua nchini Wales imepungua kwa asilimia 171, na idadi ya wagonjwa wa saratani ya mdomo na pua imepungua kwa asilimia 171. Idadi ya visa vipya vya ugonjwa huo imezidi 300 kwa mwaka kwa miaka kumi iliyopita na mwaka 2018 ilifikia kiwango cha juu cha 365. Idadi ya watu wanaopata ugonjwa huo kila mwaka ni mara mbili ya idadi ya wanawake, na zaidi ya watu wote wanaopata ugonjwa huo ni watu wenye umri wa miaka 40. Kiwango cha juu cha saratani ya mdomo ni kati ya miaka 60 na 69. Takwimu za vifo kutoka 2002 hadi 2021 zinaonyesha ongezeko la idadi ya vifo kutokana na kansa ya mdomo. Mwaka 2002 idadi ya watu waliokufa ilikuwa 57, lakini kufikia mwaka 2021 ilikuwa imepanda mara mbili hadi 103. Utafiti unaonyesha kwamba kuvuta sigara, kunywa pombe, kuathiriwa na jua (kinywa) na kutokula matunda na mboga za kutosha huongeza hatari ya kansa ya mdomo. Pia kuna uthibitisho wa uhusiano kati ya maambukizo ya virusi vya HPV na kansa ya mdomo. Kugundua na kutibu mapema kansa ya mdomo huongeza viwango vya kuishi. Ni muhimu kwa umma na wataalamu wa afya kuwa na ufahamu wa dalili za mapema na dalili ambazo ni pamoja na: Ulcer na uvimbe katika mdomo ambao hauponywi ndani ya wiki tatu. Maumivu kinywani. Vipande vya rangi nyekundu au nyeupe katika mdomo au koo. Kundu kwenye shingo. Kupoteza uzito bila sababu. Profesa Paul Brocklehurst, Mshauri wa Afya ya Umma ya Meno katika Afya ya Umma Wales, alisema: "Kuongezeka kwa ugonjwa wa saratani ya mdomo na pharyngeal imekuwa mwelekeo wa wasiwasi ulioonekana na wale wanaofanya kazi katika afya ya umma kwa miaka kadhaa. "Wakati huo huo, ""tunaona ongezeko la idadi ya vifo kutokana na saratani ya mdomo, lakini pia tumeona uboreshaji mdogo katika kiwango cha kuishi baada ya miaka mitano, ingawa kurudia kwa ugonjwa huo sio jambo lisilo la kawaida.""" <unk>Kama ilivyo na kansa zote, utambuzi wa mapema unamaanisha matibabu ya mapema ya kulenga kansa kabla ya kuenea. Ikiwa mtu yeyote ataona dalili za kuonya, wanapaswa kumwona mtaalamu wao wa meno au daktari wao wa jumla. Pia ni muhimu kuhudhuria uchunguzi wa kawaida wa meno kwa kuwa wataalamu wa meno wamefundishwa kutambua dalili za mapema za kansa ya mdomo. <unk>