Mouth Cancer Action Month

That this House notes with concern that, every day in the United Kingdom, 30 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer and 10 lose their lives to the disease; recognises that cases have increased by 23 per cent in the last five years, disproportionately affecting men and people living in areas of deprivation; is alarmed that one in four people remain unaware that cancer can affect the mouth; acknowledges the role of tobacco, alcohol and the human papilloma virus as key risk factors; further notes that early detection greatly improves survival but that treatment remains aggressive and life-changing; expresses concern that almost half of the population cannot access regular dental check-ups; supports the Oral Health Foundation’s Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign to raise awareness and promote early detection; and calls on the Government to implement a national mouth cancer awareness campaign, strengthen training and referral pathways for healthcare professionals, and ensure equitable access to oral healthcare and comprehensive after-support for all mouth cancer patients.