Mouth Cancer Action Month About mouth cancer Mouth Cancer Action Month Learn about mouth cancer How to spot mouth cancer Mouth cancer risk factors Living with mouth cancer Statistics and reports Mouth cancer statistics Diagnosis to Daily Life The State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2024 How mouth cancer impacts patients Diet Treatment Relationships Finances and money Mental health Confidence Aftercare Patient journeys Get involved Events and activities Blue Ribbon Appeal Become an ambassador Blue Wednesday Fundraising Need some inspiration? Set up your fundraising page Our current fundraisers Other ways to fundraise Make a donation Who's behind it Oral Health Foundation Support services Downloads Social media posts Oral Health Foundation Home How to spot mouth cancer By spotting mouth cancer early, we have a much better chance of beating it. During Mouth Cancer Action Month we are promoting the message ‘if in doubt, get checked out’. We encourage everybody to be mouthaware and pay close attention to what’s going on with their mouth. Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer include Mouth ulcers that don't heal White patches in the mouth Red patches in the mouth Persistent sore throat Bad breath Pain or difficulty swallowing Unexplained weight loss Lumps in the mouth, head or neck Speech problems If you notice anything out of the ordinary, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor to get it checked by a professional. How to check your mouth A mouth cancer check can be done at home and it takes less than one minute. Here is a step-by-step diagram for you to follow. Look at your lips Look at your top and bottom lip for any changes, red or white patches, ulcers, or lumps. Feel your lips Feel your lips and the inside of your cheek for any lumps or swelling using your thumb and index finger. Look at your tongue Hold your tongue, pull it out, and check the sides. Then, lift up your tongue up and check underneath. Check the roof of your mouth and tonsils Tip your head back and check the roof of your mouth for any changes. Then, flatten your tongue to check the back of your throat and tonsils. Download 'Be Mouthaware: Learn To Check For Mouth Cancer' handout (A4) You can also watch the videos below. How to check for mouth cancer at home Click to watch on YouTube How else can mouth cancer be spotted early? Dentists check for mouth cancer as part of your normal check-up, sometimes without you even realising. In the video below, Oral Health Foundation Past President and spokesperson, Dr Ben Atkins, talks through what to expect from a visual mouth cancer check. What to expect in a mouth cancer check Click to watch on YouTube Manage Cookie Preferences