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A regular check up with your dentist is important. Your dentist can help you check for any signs of mouth cancer, and can give you advice on keeping a healthy mouth.
For information on NHS dentists on the Isle of Man, click here.
You can greatly cut your risk by not starting to smoke. If you already smoke it is worth giving up, even if you have smoked for a long time. As soon as you stop, your risk of getting lung cancer no longer increases. In the years after you give up, your risk gradually lowers.
If you’d like to give up, ask your GP or health centre for advice - or contact Quit4You or the UK charity QUIT. Our useful contacts section also has details of local smoking cessation services.
You can also reduce you risk of developing mouth cancer if you limit the amount of alcohol you drink. If you do drink alcohol, drink it in small amounts. Not more than 2 units per day for women, and 3 units a day for men, are recommended. A unit is equal to about ½ a pint of beer, or a standard pub measure of wine or spirits.
A good diet, rich in vitamins A, C and E provides protection against the development of mouth cancer.
For more general information on reducing the risk of cancer, click here.
