Mouth cancer incidence in England hits all-time high

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 18. November 2025

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LEEDS, England: Recent epidemiological studies and global cancer surveillance indicate a significant increase in the incidence and mortality rates of mouth cancer worldwide over the past decades. In England, new data released by the National Health Service (NHS) shows a record high in annual mouth cancer cases, underscoring the crucial need for patient education on early symptoms.

According to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, the disease affects approximately 650,000 people globally each year. Alarmingly, the global incidence of mouth cancer has risen by nearly 50% in the last decade. While about 77% of UK adults are now aware of mouth cancer, knowledge regarding its warning signs, symptoms and risk factors remains limited. The organisation believes that addressing this health crisis demands improved access to NHS dental services, heightened efforts towards earlier diagnosis, and robust public health initiatives focused on prevention and awareness.

Recent figures from NHS England reveal that annual mouth cancer cases in England have reached 9,293—a 37% increase over the last decade and more than double the figure recorded a generation ago. Tragically, deaths from mouth cancer have also surged, marking a 42% rise compared with ten years ago.

Dr Nigel Carter, OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, emphasised in a press release that the statistics demonstrate an increasing burden of mouth cancer on both individuals and the healthcare system. He warned that the sharp rise in cases and deaths is a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved public awareness, earlier detection and expanded access to preventive dental care as the disease continues to take a growing toll across the UK.

The Oral Health Foundation leads the annual Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign, which runs every November. Themed “The Costs of Mouth Cancer”, this year’s campaign aims to shed light on the extensive impact of the disease, affecting physical health, confidence, speech, appearance and finances and placing a significant emotional strain on patients’ families and caregivers.

Speaking in the same press release, Dr Mahesh Kumar, a maxillofacial surgeon and president of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, highlighted an evolving trend: “We’re increasingly seeing mouth cancer in people who don’t fit the traditional risk profile. While smoking and alcohol remain major risks, the human papillomavirus is now linked to many new cases, particularly among younger people.”