David Hickey emphasized the criticality of early diagnosis for oral cancer, stating, "With mouth cancer in particular, you have a small window of opportunity, which closes very fast." He urged the public to get regular dental checkups and to not ignore signs such as bleeding while brushing, as timely action is crucial for better outcomes.
Reflecting on his own experience, Hickey noted, "I immediately went to see my brother who is a dentist and following subsequent hospital tests I was diagnosed with oral cancer." This personal tale highlights the importance of seeking professional help at the first sign of trouble.
The National Cancer Registry of Ireland reported concerning trends, stating, "Oral cancer increased significantly for both genders between 1999 and 2009 in Ireland, due to factors such as smoking, time of diagnosis, age, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and overexposure to sunlight and radiation," indicating a growing public health challenge.
The Irish Dental Association pointed out that, "Signs of mouth cancer include white or red patches in the mouth, a lump or persistent sore throat or hoarseness," emphasizing that these symptoms warrant immediate medical attention as anyone can be affected, regardless of age.
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