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 The Mouth Cancer Impact Report: From Diagnosis to Daily Life The Mouth Cancer Impact Report: From Diagnosis to Daily Life We're proud to bring you our one-of-a-kind patient report, which brings together the experiences and views of close to 100 UK mouth cancer patients. Mouth cancer, a serious and often life-changing condition, has become an increasingly urgent health concern in the UK. Affecting the lips, tongue, cheeks, tonsils and other areas of the mouth, it is the 10th most common cancer in the country. Latest figures reveal that 10,825 individuals are diagnosed with mouth cancer annually, and the condition claimed an estimated 3,637 lives last year. Over the past decade, cases have risen by more than a third (38%), highlighting the pressing need for greater awareness and support for those impacted by this disease. The Mouth Cancer Impact Report: From Diagnosis to Daily Life presents insights from mouth cancer survivors across the UK, providing a comprehensive view of their experiences. This report delves into the realities of living with and beyond a mouth cancer diagnosis, exploring critical aspects such as diagnosis, treatment, diet and nutrition, relationships, mental health, financial implications, and aftercare. Through these testimonies, this report sheds light on the profound physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by those affected. It also highlights the resilience of survivors and identifies areas where more support is urgently needed, offering valuable perspectives for healthcare providers, policymakers, and the broader community. By understanding the full impact of mouth cancer, this report aims to drive meaningful change, ensuring that no one affected by this devastating disease feels unsupported or unheard. Key findings include Delayed diagnosis is common and harmful: Over half of mouth cancer cases in the UK are diagnosed at stage 4. Nearly half of patients did not receive a specialist referral at their first appointment, and some waited over a year for a confirmed diagnosis. 71% of respondents believed the delay impacted treatment outcomes. Treatment comes with severe and lasting side effects: Surgery, the most common treatment, often leads to scarring, movement and speech issues, and self-esteem challenges. Eating and nutrition are impacted severely: 60% experienced major dietary changes. Older patients were disproportionately affected, and many rely on supplements or food texture modifications. Mental health burden is high - yet support is scarce: 98% of respondents reported negative impacts on emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and sleep issues were prevalent. Despite this, only 7% were accessing mental health support at the time of the survey. Relationships and social confidence were heavily impacted: Mouth cancer often led to changed dynamics in romantic, family, and friend relationships, both positively (increased support) and negatively (separation, distancing). Financial strain is widespread: 70% reported a negative financial impact, with costs arising from dental treatment, travel, dietary needs, and loss of income. 60% reported an effect on savings and future financial planning. Younger patients and womenwere more likely to experience severe financial stress. Aftercare for many is inconsistent and inadequate: Nutrition, mental health support, dental care, and speech therapy were cited as top needs. However, mental health and physiotherapy support were under-provided. Many patients had to find care on their own due to limited signposting. Only 24% said aftercare significantly improved their quality of life; 14% saw no benefit at all. Click here to download the full patient survey We want to express our gratitude to all the members of the UK Head and Neck Cancer Coalition and, most importantly, the mouth cancer patients who took the time to answer our questions, without whom this survey would not have been possible. Manage Cookie Preferences