'My dentist's mouth cancer training saved my life'

A man who survived mouth cancer said he had the vigilance of his dentist to thank for the signs of the disease being spotted.

Joe Butler, from Sheffield, was just 26 when a recurring ulcer on his tongue was picked up during a dental appointment.

His dentist had recently attended a training sessions on the symptoms of mouth cancer and referred him to hospital for checks.

Mr Butler was declared cancer-free two years after his diagnosis in 2012, yet more than 3,000 people die from the same form of the disease every year in the UK.

The Oral Health Foundation said that cases of mouth cancer have hit a record high, with 10,825 new diagnoses in 2024.

The charity's latest report stated that more than half of cases were caught at the cancer's most advanced stages, and there were 3,337 deaths.

Mr Butler, who is now 39, said his dentist's referral had been "precautionary".

He added: "I didn't know what the future was going to hold. I didn't know whether I was going to be able to eat or speak again, or if I'd even still be here.

"It was hard. It sounds daft, but when I got told, I didn't think it was possible to get cancer in the mouth."

The ulceration was removed at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital along with a third of his tongue, lymph nodes in one side of his neck, and some of his teeth. He also had to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Weston Park Cancer Centre.

"I was quite lucky from the point of view of the circumstances that led to it being found.

"I think without being at that dentist on that particular day, seeing that particular dentist, I wouldn't be here."

Mr Butler now has three children and remains in remission.

Dr Catherine Tannahill, a spokesperson for the Oral Health Foundation, said early diagnosis was "critical".

The charity has reported a 132% increase in diagnosis since 2004.

Experts have warned people to be aware of potential symptoms, including ulcers which do not heal.

Dr Tannahill added: "We're still seeing cases being picked up far too late. It's crucial people know the signs to look out for and regularly check their mouths. Visiting a dentist promptly if something doesn't feel right could make all the difference."

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