AN NHS trust is to hold ‘mini-roadshows’ in the dining rooms of four hospitals to make more people aware of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.

Staff from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s community dental hospital will be raising awareness of this disease as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month during November.

The lunchtime roadshows get underway on Tuesday, November 4 at Chester-le-Street Community Hospital, then move to the University Hospital of North Durham on Wednesday, November 12.

The roadshows continue at Bishop Auckland Hospital on Wednesday, November 19 and at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, November 25.

Hannah Thorpe, trust senior dental officer, said, “In County Durham and Darlington, 65 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year. Too many people die from mouth cancer and, unfortunately, it is on the increase.

“There are lots of things that we can do to help reduce the chances of developing mouth cancer but early detection is vital. If it’s caught early, the chances of surviving mouth cancer are very good.

“Unfortunately, because many mouth cancers are initially painless, many people are unaware that they are there or do not seek help.

“Having your mouth checked for early signs is quick, easy and painless. If you have an ulcer in your mouth which hasn’t healed after three weeks or any lumps or bumps around your mouth, head or neck region which haven’t disappeared after four weeks, see a dentist straight away. If in doubt, get checked out."