November marks the second of the British Dental Health Foundation’s major annual campaigns. Mouth Cancer Action Month takes place throughout the duration of November, calling on everyone to discover something about a killer disease on the increase.
This edition is dedicated to that fight, one encapsulated by mouth cancer sufferer Jacky Merrison. Jacky addressed those in attendance at the House of Commons launch event, and you can read Jacky’s thoughts on page 6.
There are a number of ways the British Dental Health Foundation would like people to get involved, but together with campaign sponsor Denplan, the Blue Lip Selfie is one way everyone can support the campaign. All you need to do is take a selfie of yourself or alongside family, friends or colleagues, and upload to the official Blue Lip Selfie app at www.bluelipselfie.co.uk that Denplan has created, and you can read all the details and more on page 10.
One of the leading risk factors of the disease is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus experts believe will be the single-biggest cause of the disease within 10 years. The HPV Action Group has campaigned tirelessly for boys to receive the vaccination, currently offered to girls aged 12 to 13. Read about the story so far on page 8.
You can also find out about how our campaign supporters Dentists’ Provident, the Association of Dental Groups and charity partner the Mouth Cancer Foundation are making a difference.
With your support we will beat the disease. Enjoy the issue, and we will see you in December.
