More than 6,500 people a year forced to change diet for life after mouth cancer diagnosis

21 November 2025

More than 6,500 people every year in the UK living with mouth cancer have been forced to make drastic, lifelong changes to the way they eat and drink. 

New research from the Oral Health Foundation reveals that six-in-ten (60%) mouth cancer patients are left with lasting difficulties that affect one of life’s simplest pleasures – enjoying food and drink. Many survivors lose the ability to chew or swallow normally, while others find that food no longer tastes or feels the same. 

Nearly half (42%) reported they now rely on texture-modified meals or daily nutritional supplements. For some, enjoying a normal meal is no longer possible. 

The charity’s Mouth Cancer Impact Report: From Diagnosis to Daily Life sheds light on the day-to-day struggle of eating after treatment. Almost six-in-ten (59%) say food often gets stuck in their mouth or throat, over half (54%) report regularly choking while four-in-ten (40%) drool when eating or accidentally bite their tongue or cheek due to a loss of feeling in the mouth. 

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says the research exposes a part of cancer recovery that is too often overlooked. 

Dr Carter says: “For many mouth cancer survivors, mealtimes become a daily battle. Eating should be a joy, but instead it becomes painful, stressful and isolating. 

“Nutrition and eating well are essential to both recovery and long-term health. That’s why every patient should have access to dietitians, speech therapists and nutritional advice as part of their cancer care. Support for eating and nutrition must be seen as a core part of recovery – not an optional extra.” 

Behind the statistics are deeply personal stories of loss and adjustment. 

Many mouth cancer survivors have described practical and emotional challenges when eating after treatment. Christine, diagnosed 14 years ago, said she is still adapting. 

Christine says: “It’s because of the nerve damage in my mouth, but I’m so proud of myself 14 years later whenever I eat something that my doctors told me I would never eat again. It's taken me years to build up confidence eating publicly.” 

Immaculate, who was unable to eat normally for many months, relied on a feeding tube in her stomach (known as a PEG tube) and lived only on liquid meals. She says: “Five bottles a day were the meals I had to keep my energy up and my weight.” 

Her husband Joseph says it’s the things you’d never normally think about that suddenly become difficult. He says: “When we travel, we have to take liquid meals with us, and we need a medical letter at the airport so she’s allowed to bring them through security.” 

Others, like Janet, have found inventive ways to adapt. 

Janet says: “After two months of only drinking nutritional supplements, I just had enough… I started making salmon and cream smoothies, different vegetable smoothies… and suddenly having all the flavours of food that I normally liked made having sort of liquids so much better.” 

For November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month, the Oral Health Foundation is shining a light on the long-term impact of mouth cancer and calling for earlier diagnosis, better treatment pathways, and stronger support for those living with the disease. 

The charity is urging the public to be more aware of the early warning signs – including persistent mouth ulcers, red or white patches, and unusual lumps – and to seek professional advice without delay. 

The Oral Health Foundation is also calling for better access to dietetic support and practical guidance to help survivors eat safely and confidently after treatment. The charity warns that without proper help, many patients face malnutrition, weight loss and social isolation. 

Dr Carter adds: “Nobody should have to face these challenges alone. With the right advice and support, we can help people eat well, stay healthy and rediscover the pleasure of food again.”