The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7360 p434
8 October 2005

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Charity appeals to pharmacists to help educate public about mouth cancer

The British Dental Health Foundation is appealing to pharmacists to help educate the public about symptoms of mouth cancer in the run up to its annual mouth cancer awareness campaign.

Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, explained that the first sign of mouth cancer is often an ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, or a red or white patch in the mouth. “Faced with [these symptoms] many people will visit the pharmacist ahead of their doctor or dentist,” he said. “It is vital that pharmacists are able to advise members of the public on the main symptoms and risk factors.”

Dr Carter added that pharmacists should encourage self-examination as well as a healthier lifestyle.

This year, Mouth Cancer Awareness Week runs from 13 to 19 November.

Pharmacists can obtain a free information guide, collection box and blue ribbon pack from the BDHF (tel 0870 770 4014) or via the internet.