Policy & media Media centre News Access to dentistry key to fixing mouth cancer delays The Oral Health Foundation welcomes the new National Cancer Plan for England and its ambition to ensure urgent referral and treatment targets are met. The plan sets out clear priorities aligned with the 10 Year Health Plan and includes commitments to improve quality of life for people with cancer, carers, and those living beyond cancer. The new report from the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges that cancer waiting times are falling short. The Oral Health Foundation agrees and believes the picture for head and neck cancer remains deeply concerning. With only 55% of patients starting treatment within the 62-day national target - the poorest performance of any cancer type - the charity says too many people are being failed and the situation is clearly unacceptable. The Oral Health Foundation also warns that without improving access to NHS dentistry, cases of mouth cancer will continue to go undiagnosed. Dr Rachael England, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Oral Health Foundation, said: “We welcome the ambition in the National Cancer Plan, but ambition alone will not save lives. “Patients with mouth cancer are already paying the price of delayed diagnosis and long waits, often facing devastating impacts on how they speak, eat and live. “If the government is serious about improving outcomes, it must urgently improve access to NHS dentistry alongside wider cancer services. Early detection and timely treatment are non-negotiable - and patients will judge this plan on delivery, not promises.” The Oral Health Foundation makes six key recommendations: A funded, nationwide awareness campaign. Expanded access to oral healthcare services. Comprehensive training and guidelines for the wider healthcare team. Free dental care for mouth cancer patients. Investment in advanced diagnostic technology. Streamlined referral processes. Almost 12,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year, and more than 3,500 lose their lives to the disease. Mouth cancer commonly develops on the tongue or tonsils, making it difficult to detect without an oral examination. Cases have increased by 23% over the past five years. The Oral Health Foundation’s research shows public awareness of mouth cancer remains low, and most people with concerns seek help from their GP, many of whom say they need more training to recognise the signs and symptoms. Read the National Cancer Plan for England Manage Cookie Preferences