NHS data reveals that mouth cancer cases in England have surged by 40% over the past decade, with 26 people now diagnosed every day. Experts are urging the public to be alert to ulcers that do not heal and other telltale changes in the mouth.
Figures published by NHS England this week show 9,673 cases were diagnosed in 2024, up from 6,908 in 2014. The increase in oral cancer rates last year was twice the rate of other cancers.
Experts highlight potential causes
Professor Mahvash Tavassoli, of Guy's Hospital, King's College London, said the surge could be partly caused by the common human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be transmitted through sexual contact. The oncologist also cited poor oral health and changes to the oral microbiome as potential drivers.
Professor Muy-Teck Teh, molecular oncologist at Queen Mary University of London, said: "There is no single reason why mouth cancer cases have increased by 40% over the past decade. Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption remain major causes, particularly when combined, but we are also seeing a growing contribution from HPV infection, especially in cancers affecting the tonsils and back of the tongue."
Patient story highlights need for vigilance
Sarah Davies, a mum from Coventry, was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2014 at age 40 after an ulcer she "wasn't really overly concerned about" did not go away. She said: "I had nights, I think for about 10 days, where I lay in bed at night awake thinking, you know, am I going to see my son grow up?"
After surgery, Sarah developed severe trismus, a condition that limits how far she can open her mouth. She said: "Eating and drinking is really difficult. I'm limited as to what I can eat. I have to drink with a straw."
Warning signs and advice
Men accounted for around two-thirds of mouth cancer diagnoses in 2024, while nine-in-ten cases were among people aged over 50. The Oral Health Foundation is urging people to check their mouths regularly and contact a dentist or GP about unusual changes, including a mouth ulcer that has not healed after three weeks, a red or white patch inside the mouth, an unusual lump or swelling, mouth pain that does not go away, or difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Dr Ben Atkins, dentist and trustee at the Oral Health Foundation, said: "These figures should make all of us stop and think about our mouths. An ulcer that will not heal, an unusual patch or a lump can be easy to explain away. A change that is unusual for you deserves attention."
Professor Tavassoli said: "Warning signs include a mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, persistent difficulty swallowing, unexplained red or white patches in the mouth, or a lump in the neck. Early detection can make a crucial difference, and anyone experiencing persistent symptoms should seek advice from a dentist or GP."
