November is Mouth Cancer Action Month
Let’s Make Early Detection a Priority: It makes all the difference.
Kia ora, everyone!
During November, I want to highlight a cause close to our hearts and essential to our mission at the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust: Mouth Cancer Action Month. This month is about raising awareness, educating ourselves and our community, and most importantly, supporting the frontline healthcare practitioners who can save lives through early detection.
Here in New Zealand, mouth cancer affects over 300 people each year, with cases on the rise. Often, this disease goes undetected until it has already reached an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging and survival rates lower. Early detection can make a difference, and this is where our general practitioners (GPs) and dentists have a vital role to play.
The Signs We All Need to Know
Awareness begins with knowing what to look for. This month, we’re asking our healthcare professionals to help identify early warning signs, and we also want to share these signs with you. Here are a few red flags:
Persistent ulcers lasting over three weeks
Unexplained lumps in the mouth or neck
Red or white patches in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing or changes in speech
Any numbness in the tongue or areas of the mouth
If we can recognise these symptoms early—whether we spot them ourselves or bring them up with our GPs or dentists—we open up the possibility for earlier treatment and better outcomes.
A Community Effort for Early Detection
Dentists, as you know, have a unique ability to spot these symptoms in their regular check-ups, and GPs are often the first to hear from patients when something feels off. We are so grateful to these practitioners who serve as our first line of defence. This month, we’re calling on all GPs and dentists to join us in prioritising mouth cancer awareness. If they see anything concerning, we encourage them to act swiftly, refer patients, and give them a fighting chance.
To our community: don’t hesitate to ask questions during your appointments. Let’s advocate for our health by sharing concerns or unusual symptoms with our healthcare providers.
Supporting Our Cause Together
Throughout November, we at the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust will be providing information, support materials, and outreach to help spread the word about the importance of early detection. We’ll also distribute educational materials to help you and our healthcare community learn more about identifying early signs.
If you or someone you love is at higher risk for mouth cancer—perhaps due to smoking, alcohol use, or family history—now is the time to get checked. And for everyone in our community, please remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Together, we can make a difference by spreading awareness and encouraging proactive healthcare. With vigilance and early action, we have the power to save lives.
Let’s make November a month of action!
Ngā mihi,
Diana Ayling
Chair, Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust
Additional Resources:
Scientists discover link between bacteria in the mouth and head and neck cancers
https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancents/blog-post-discovery
Top tips for treating patients with a history of head and neck cancer
https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancents/top-tips-for-dentists
Oral Complications Related to Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Result in Financial Strain on Patients
