“Mouthie Mums” on a mission to raise awareness of Oral Cancer

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month and two straight-talking "Mouthie Mums" from Orkney are speaking out on a mission to raise awareness of oral cancer. Lorraine Stout and Elaine Ross are biting back at a cancer that is on the rise, including among younger women.

NHS Orkney along with help from Lorraine and Elaine are encouraging everyone to keep a close eye on their own oral health and to be “mouthaware”.

On “Blue Wednesday”, 15 November, staff from NHS Orkney Oral Health Team along with Lorraine will be at Tesco raising awareness about the importance of being “mouthaware” and will hand out information and self-examination checklists to customers.

Lorraine and Elaine are proudly sharing their own cancer stories and hope this could save lives, but also reduce the need for such invasive treatments in a particularly sensitive area of the body.

Throat cancer survivor, Lorraine, from Tankerness, said: "Cancer of the mouth and throat areas was at one time regarded as an old man's cancer but that is certainly no longer the case and unfortunately Elaine and I are proof of that. Anyone can be affected by oral cancer.”

"It has never been more important for people of all ages to check their mouths and necks for any lumps or changes and to see a dentist regularly as they can pick up on any potential problems at an earlier stage."

Steven Johnston, Director of Dentistry at NHS Orkney, and provider of oral surgery, wholly supports the message from our “Mouthie Mums”. Steven said: “Early diagnosis significantly increases chances of beating oral cancer, and can reduce the need for more invasive treatment, improving outcomes for patients. I understand access to dental services has been more difficult recently and some patients can be hesitant to come forward as a result. However, we would encourage anyone concerned about any changes in their mouth to seek advice from their doctor or dentist. Our oral surgery service has time set aside to allow such patients to be seen promptly”.

Elaine, from Kirkwall, agreed that early diagnosis is key, and she urged others to be vigilant when it comes to oral health. After finding a lump on her neck, further exploratory work left Elaine facing a cancer diagnosis, the primary tumour was between her tonsil and tongue.

Elaine said: "It has been a very hard journey, far harder than I imagined. I'm so glad I went to the doctor as quickly as I did. Early diagnosis is vital."

The “Mouthie Mums” would encourage everyone to “bite the bullet”. When you are brushing your teeth every day, make sure you are looking in your mouth and be “mouthaware”. They agreed, "Do it now – if you identify any changes in your mouth, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor, and get things checked out.

Advice on good oral hygiene can be found here, nhs inform - taking care of your oral health.

Finally, Lorraine and Elaine shared: “We would not wish others to have to go through what we have. We have been left with life-changing side effects – such as an inability to eat and drink normally, thick choking mucus and dry mouth to name a few. Life is challenging now but we don’t want others to have to face what we can only describe as a road that has been a nightmare at times for us. If you notice any lumps or changes that appear, please seek advice.”