Mouth Cancer Action Month, 2023 – Business toolkit

Mouth Cancer Action Month takes place in November each year to raise awareness of the signs, symptoms and causes of mouth cancer. Each year 8,846 people in the UK are diagnosed with Mouth Cancer.^{^} We want to share vital information on risk factors, early detection and inspire individuals to take proactive steps towards better oral health.

How can Oral cancer effect your business?

Oral cancer can affect your employees in various ways, including health and wellbeing, financial costs, and productivity. According to our latest research at Bupa Dental Insurance, 73% of workers have delayed going to the dentist, with over 2 in 5 delaying treatment as they were worried about needing time off work. Implementing preventative measures and offering support to your employees can help mitigate these impacts and create a more compassionate and resilient workplace environment.

The signs and symptoms of mouth cancer to look out for:

• A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks.
• White or red patches in the mouth.
• Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head or neck.
• Any persistent ‘hoarseness’. ^{^}

The earlier mouth cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment is likely to be. So, it’s important to recognise any symptoms and get them checked out by a dentist or doctor as soon as possible.

For your business

• Employer internal communication (PDF, 0.2MB)
• Dental Plan leaflet (PDF, 0.7MB)
• Dental Choice leaflet (PDF, 0.7MB)

Resources to share with your team

• Oral cancer support page
• Oral Cancer - your questions answered
• Cancer Support hub

Reminders for your insured team members

• Bupa Dental Care support line - 0808 239 2406
• Find your local BDC dentist on Finder
• How to use Bupa Touch (PDF, 0.1MB)

There are plenty of resources available to your business and employees on Bupa’s website, or on the links below.

• Mouth Cancer Foundation
• Oral Health Foundation - spot the signs
• Oral Health Foundation report 2022 (PDF, 1.5MB)

Sources

^{^} https://www.dentalhealth.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=3d5ff14b-e667-4905-88a4-a3d0cebf05ad (PDF, 1.5MB)