Britain's oral cancer rates surge by 68 pct over past 20 years

Britain has seen the rates of oral cancer significantly increase by 68 percent over the past 20 years, according to figures released Friday by the Cancer Research UK.

During the past two decades, the oral cancer rates have risen from eight to 13 cases per 100,000 people, which affects both men and women, the figures showed.

Some nine in 10 cases are linked to lifestyle and other risk factors and smoking is the biggest avoidable risk factor, linked to an estimated 65 percent of cases, according to the Cancer Research UK. Other risk factors include alcohol, diets low in fruit and vegetables, and infections with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Oral cancers include cancer of the lips, tongue, mouth (gums and palate), tonsils and the middle part of the throat.

"An ulcer or sore in your mouth or tongue that won't go away, a lump on your lip or in your mouth, a red or red and white patch in your mouth or an unexplained lump in your neck are all things to look out for," said Jessica Kirby, Cancer Research UK's senior health information manager.

"Healthy lifestyles can help reduce the risk of developing the disease in the first place. Not smoking, drinking less alcohol and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can all help to cut our risk of mouth cancer," Kirby also said. Endit