(UK) – Laura Marston, a passionate foodie, is sharing her experience of living without a tongue after being diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2019. Her story comes at a time when mouth cancer cases in the UK have reached an alarming record high, with the Oral Health Foundation reporting over 10,000 new cases last year.
Ms. Marston’s love for cooking and baking was a significant part of her life until her diagnosis forced her to adapt to a new way of eating. Despite visiting multiple doctors and dentists, it took months for her cancer to be confirmed. By the time she received her diagnosis, the cancer had progressed to the point where her tongue could not be saved, leading to its removal. Facing this reality, Ms. Marston described the experience as “brutal,” saying, “I was told I wouldn’t speak again, I would never eat again, I would have to have a fitted tube.”
Despite these challenges, Ms. Marston has persevered. She has relearned how to eat and speak, and even authored a cookbook aimed at helping others with similar conditions enjoy flavorful food. However, her journey has not been without difficulties. “I can’t just grab a meal. I have to plan, I have to order a lot. I have to sit down, and I am at high risk of choking. It’s scary,” she explained.
The rise in mouth cancer cases has raised concerns among health professionals. The Oral Health Foundation states that approximately 31% of mouth cancer diagnoses are found on the tongue, while 22% are located in the tonsils. Other affected areas include the lips, gums, inside the cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth.
Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, expressed alarm at the continued increase in mouth cancer cases, which have now surpassed 10,000 for the first time. He emphasized the importance of awareness, urging individuals to be vigilant for unusual red or white patches in the mouth, lumps in the neck, and to recognize the risk factors associated with the disease.
Key risk factors for mouth cancer include smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Recently, the charity has also noted an increase in cases related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although mouth cancer can affect anyone, data indicates it is most prevalent among men in England, with 66% of cases occurring in this demographic and individuals over 50 accounting for over 90% of cases.
Dr. Carter called for heightened awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and the necessity of early detection. “Too many cases are diagnosed too late, often at the most advanced stage. This needs to change,” he stated.
In response to the rising rates of mouth cancer, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care commented on the challenges faced by the NHS, referencing Lord Darzi’s investigation, which highlighted the UK’s higher cancer mortality rates compared to other countries. The spokesperson assured that the government is committed to improving the NHS, enhancing cancer diagnosis, and reforming dental contracts to encourage more dentists to offer NHS services.
