About half of the British population would not have a nonhealing oral ulcer checked in a timely manner, potentially leaving a symptom of oral cancer to go undetected, according to a survey by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF).
According to the survey, conducted on behalf of the BDHF by Atomik Research during October 2012 (sample size: 2,044), only 49% of people would seek medical advice within less than four weeks if they had an oral ulcer.
More than one in three (37%) would seek medical advice within one to two months, and one in 14 people (7%) would leave it unchecked for more than three months.
The results are in stark contrast to other signs and symptoms of the disease. Almost three in every four people (71%) would seek medical advice within four weeks if they had an unusual lump or swelling, and a similar amount (69%) would do likewise if they noticed red and white patches in the mouth.
The BDHF organizes Mouth Cancer Action Month, taking place through November, which aims to educate the general public on the risk factors, early warning signs, and symptoms of the disease.
