Overall, women face a 27 percent increase of developing any form of cancer if they have diabetes, while men also face a 19 percent increased risk discovered the study published in Diabetologia, the official journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.
With previous research showing close links between diabetes and the development of mouth cancer, as well as other forms of the disease, leading health charity the Oral Health Foundation, is calling on people to be aware of the close links between their oral health and their wider wellbeing.
Visit your dentist regularly
Charity CEO, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, said: “This could be a very significant piece of research that could help save lives. Diabetes has previously been linked to poor oral health but this new research shows a specific link to mouth cancer.
“This makes regular dental visits an absolute must. If your dentist knows that you are diabetic, they will check your mouth accordingly. For many years we have known that diabetic patients are more likely to get gum disease and need extra dental care but this is yet another reason for regular checks.”
Signs of mouth cancer
Everyone should be aware of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer:
Be alert to ulcers which do not heal within three weeks
Take action if you see red and white patches in your mouth
See you dentist or GP immediately if you find either of the above or unusual lumps or swellings in your head or neck area
In the UK, it is estimated that over four million people live with diabetes, with many cases going undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to lifestyle and diet, has been rapidly increasing in recent years and is now one of the world’s most common long-term health conditions.
If in doubt, get checked out
Our dentists screen all patients for mouth cancer at each visit because early detection saves lives.
Our door is always open to new patients from across Woking and Guildford for private dental care, so please get in touch to find out more about us.
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