Around 2 years ago during a routine dental visit, my dentist noticed a small white spot on the side of my tongue. Although it wasn’t thought to be untoward I was referred to the hospital for it to be checked.

By the time I was seen by a specialist it had grown in size and changed in texture, but it was still thought to be innocuous. The lump was the size of a small pea and was subsequently removed. Further test results revealed that it was in fact cancerous and I therefore had to have multiple scans and subsequently further surgery to remove a considerable area of tongue from the original site.

The subsequent weeks of recovery were a challenge with difficulty eating and swallowing but thankfully this was successful and I didn’t need any further treatment.

The recurrence rate is highest during the first 2-3 years and I am checked every 6-8 weeks at the hospital which will continue for 5 years. I am extremely grateful to my dentist, consultant and the care and support I have been given by the NHS & MacMillan nurses, also that of my family and friends.

I am taking part in the

MOUTH CANCER FOUNDATION AWARENESS WALK 20/9/25 and aim to walk the 20k to raise awareness of this disease. If you can donate anything to help the charity do its work that would be appreciated.

Mouth Cancer is on the increase!

More people in the UK die each year of mouth cancer than of cervical and testicular cancer combined.

Mouth cancer causes more deaths in the UK each year than road traffic accidents.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation needs your support to raise awareness of mouth cancer and raise money to fund our objectives.