Mouth, Head & Neck | Cancer Awareness

This is an event that DeCare proudly supports each year – by raising awareness of Mouth Head and Neck Cancer, we can all help to ensure better outcomes. For more information on Mouth, Head and Neck Cancer, visit Marie Keating Foundation.

“The Marie Keating Foundation’s mission is to make cancer less frightening by enlightening and our aim is to live in a world free from the fear of cancer.”

Today the Marie Keating Foundation is one of the leading voices in Ireland of cancer prevention, awareness and support.

Understanding Mouth, Head and Neck Cancer

With an annual discovery rate of over 800 cases in Ireland, it is crucial to have knowledge about mouth cancer and its indications and symptoms to effectively prevent and identify it at an early stage. This interactive seminar aims to enhance awareness of Mouth, Head, and Neck Cancer, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of its indications and symptoms. As part of this clinic, Dave Casey Head of Wellbeing at DeCare is joined by Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation and will instruct participants on how to perform self-examinations to regularly monitor for any indications of potential risks.

Did you know that dentists do look for signs of oral cancer during routine dental exams?

Most mouth cancers can be detected at an early stage by a simple screening examination as part of a regular dental check up. Our DeCare Dental plans cover members for two dental exams each year which include an oral cancer screening so we hope to encourage people to visit their dentist at least once a year so that changes in the soft tissues of their mouths can be monitored.

Some of the telltale signs of mouth cancer may include:

A sore or an ulcer in the mouth that doesn’t heal.
Persistent white or red patches anywhere in the mouth.
Thickening or hardening of the cheek or tongue.
A lump in the mouth or neck area.
Persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth area.
Persistent pain or difficulty with chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving tongue.
Unexplained loose teeth.