Check your head and neck cancer risk with simple 60-second mirror test amid rising UK cases

There are more than 30 areas in the head and neck where cancer can develop – from the mouth and lips to the larynx and throat.

But collectively, head and neck cancer is the eighth most common type of disease in the UK.

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There are about 13,000 new cases each year – or 35 a day – and the numbers are increasing by 30% every decade, experts warn.

It kills more than 4,000 people every year.

Symptoms of head and neck cancer can be subtle, meaning it is often diagnosed at a late stage.

But the earlier the problem is detected, the greater the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, survival.

Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK (OHNCUK) offers a simple 60-second self-check you can take to assess your risk at home.

Michelle Vickers, the charity’s head of outreach, said: “Getting checked for head and neck cancer should only take 60 seconds and could save your life.

“By becoming familiar with your body and paying attention to any changes, such as lumps, sores or persistent symptoms like a sore throat or difficulty swallowing, you can identify potential signs of cancer early.

“Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and can save lives.

“Make self-checks an integral part of your health care regimen to stay proactive about your health and wellness.

“Regular checkups with a dentist are also helpful, as they should check for symptoms of cancer as part of your oral health exam.”

THE MIRROR TEST AT HOME

Find a large, well-lit mirror and get as close to it as you can.

“The first signs of head and neck cancer can be felt in and around the neck, throat and jaw,” the charity said.

“Check the inside of your lips and observe your gums. Are there any lumps, bumps, or red or white spots?

“Look at the back of your mouth. Stick your tongue out and move it from side to side.

“Don’t forget to look under your tongue too.”

Next, it’s time to assess the health of your neck by feeling under and around your jaw.

“This area can sometimes be a little bumpy, especially if you’ve had a cold or other illness recently, so learn what’s normal for you,” OHNCUK said.

If you notice any of the following new symptoms and have had them for more than three weeks, speak to your GP:

“A monthly oral exam can really make a difference,” Michelle said.

“If you have any concerns or notice anything that doesn’t go away after three weeks, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist for a checkup.

“The earlier you detect cancer, the better your chances of successful treatment and cure.

“If you take other cancers as a point of comparison, the early detection rates for head and neck cancers are considerably lower than for other cancers.

“Early diagnosis of head and neck cancers combined is about 13% and we want it to be 75%.

“Let’s work together to raise awareness about preventing these cancers and improve early diagnosis of the disease.”

“PREVENTION IS KEY”

Recognizing these symptoms is essential. But prevention is also key, and several lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing cancer, the association added.

This includes:

• Quitting tobacco use (smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes, chewing tobacco, smoking e-cigarettes and taking snuff)
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Monitor and care for your oral health
• Getting vaccinated against HPV

According to Cancer Research UK, up to 64% of head and neck cancer cases are linked to exposure to tobacco smoke.

Between 22 and 38 percent of cases are linked to alcohol consumption, and up to 80 percent are linked to HPV infection.