Mouth cancer deaths predicted to rise by 2030
by Guy Hiscott
Mouth cancer related deaths are expected to rise between now and 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mortality rates are predicted to increase by almost a quarter (24%), along with throat cancer (25%), bladder cancer (29%), diabetes (34%) and prostate cancer (38%).
More than 300 cases of mouth cancer are detected each year in Ireland, and two people die each week from the disease. Figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland reveal that around half of all cases are diagnosed at an ‘advanced stage’.
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day 2016 takes part on 21 September in Ireland and all dental practices are invited to take part by offering a free 10-minute mouth cancer exam. To sign up, visit www.mouthcancerawareness.ie.
Dr Conor McAlister from the Irish Dental Association told irishhealth.com: ‘We are seeing an increase in the incidence of this disease and seeing it in younger people. It’s not just smokers and drinkers. Whatever the cause, the key point to remember is that early detection saves lives.’
Former Irish Olympic boxer Cathal O’Grady recently spoke to the Irish Examiner about his own experience with mouth cancer, adding: ‘I don’t drink or smoke and lead an active and healthy life, so I was really floored when I received the diagnosis. It just shows you that while smoking and drinking increase the risks, this disease can strike anyone.’
2015 and 2030: a comparison
The WHO’s findings have been compounded into an infographic by Medigo, a medical tourism company. According to Medigo, ‘the report details all deaths in 2015 by cause and makes predictions for 2030, giving an impression of how global health will develop over the next 14 years.’
The infographic shows the top five diseases that are predicted to cause the most deaths between 2015 and 2030 by region. To find out more about mouth cancer and to see how you can help, visit www.mouthcancerawareness.ie. Find out more about Mouth Cancer Action Month (November) in the UK at www.mouthcancer.org.
