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With over 300 cases of mouth cancer detected in Ireland each year, it now kills more Irish people than cervical cancer or skin melanoma.
A leading mouth cancer expert said the incident was increasing in younger people and it was unclear why this was happening.
Speaking at the launch in Dublin, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Professor Leo Stassen, accused the HSE of ignoring mouth cancer.
“This is a major public health issue. Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer for men in Ireland and the incidence of the disease among women is increasing.
“Where previously the male/female incidence was six to one, it is now less than three to one. However, it is still not given enough attention or resources by the HSE.”
Six people were diagnosed with mouth cancer as a result of the open day for head, neck and throat cancer held last September by the Cork and Dublin Dental University Hospitals.
According to the National Cancer Registry in Ireland, about half of all mouth cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The incidence of such cancers in Ireland, mainly associated with smoking and drinking, is also increasing.
Dr Eleanor O’Sullivan from the Cork University Dental School and Hospital, who led last year’s initiative, said the prognosis for early oral cancer was good, with five-year survival rates of 80% to 90%.
“When you do screening you tend to get the worried well but the idea really is to spread awareness about head and neck cancer. People do not know the risk factors and the signs and symptoms,” she said.
People can find a list of dentists taking part at mouthcancerawarness.ie.
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day is a joint initiative by the IDA, the Irish Cancer Society, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Cork Dental University Hospital, the Dental Health Foundation and Mouth, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Ireland.
*National Cancer Helpline 1800 200700.
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