Concerns Raised Over Potential Rise In Cases

Medical law experts at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed Cancer Research UK’s calls for more dentists to be proactive in their efforts to identify and tackle mouth cancer.

The charity has stated that rates for oral cancer, which affects areas of the mouth including the lips, tongue, cheeks and gums, are expected to reach 9,200 cases by 2030. This figure would mark a significant increase from the 6,240 cases recorded in 2009.

According to Cancer Research UK, some dentists are failing to do enough to spot the warning signs of cancer and should be asking patients about their lifestyles in order to gain more of an understanding as to whether they could be at risk.

The organisation has also joined forces with the British Society for Oral Medicine and the British Association for the Study of Community Dentistry to ask the General Dental Council to ensure cancer detection becomes a compulsory part of dentists’ training.

Irwin Mitchell’s team of dental negligence lawyers represent victims who have suffered serious health problems as a result of care failings and substandard treatment.

Jennifer Emerson, a Solicitor specialising in medical law at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said: “We have worryingly seen instances when patients have been affected by delays in diagnosis of oral cancer. Improvements in the detection and implementation of checks could play a huge part in saving many lives and we welcome Cancer Research UK’s calls for better measures to be put in place.

“The prediction that rates of oral cancer could rise is concerning, and makes the role of dentists in diagnosing oral cancer all the more important.”

If your have suffered due to a delayed cancer diagnosis or a cancer misdiagnosis, our medical negligence lawyers could help you claim compensation. Call 0808 163 4557 for a free initial consultation or see our Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims page for more details.

If you're concerned about treatment you’ve received in relation to oral cancer, our dental negligence claims team specialists could help you to claim compensation. See our Oral Cancer Claims page for more information.