A LEADING dentist has issued an urgent warning to patients to have regular check-ups in the fight against oral cancer.

Oswaldtwistle-based Dr Geoffrey Garnett, who was recently appointed president of the British Dental Association, says at least one visit a year is necessary to help detect the disease.

A campaign launched this week by the BDA outlines the early symptoms of oral cancer and gives advice to patients.

Dr Garnett said: "There is a very good chance of cure if the cancer is detected early enough. The main symptoms are lumps, ulcers and white patches on the lips and inside the mouth.

"If an ulcer doesn't heal up after two or three weeks it is time to get it checked out by a dentist.

"Dentists are fully trained and can spot unusual things in the mouth which a doctor may miss - in fact, they often refer patients to us." Dr Garnett said reluctance to pay NHS dental charges has led to a decrease in the number of people visiting on a regular basis.

He added: "The main causes of oral cancer are drinking and smoking. Parts of the Asian community are also prone to the disease from chewing betel leaves.

"Older people are more widely affected, but many of them are put off by check-up charges. It's a great shame people are discouraged and the cost shouldn't deter people from having a problem investigated.

"Some people are stubborn and put up with ulcers, while others are scared to have them checked out. People ought to have check-ups every six months, or every 12 months if they wear dentures."

A booklet about oral cancer prevention will be available in all BDA surgeries from the end of June.

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