The charity campaign, which takes place throughout November, is looking for dental and health professionals to lead the way in the fight against mouth cancer by educating patients about the risk factors and common signs and symptoms.

Cases of mouth cancer have increased by 49% in the last decade while it claims almost 3,000 lives a year. Many of those who lose their battle with mouth cancer do so because the disease is caught too late.

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, explains why your support is vital to make Mouth Cancer Action Month 2019 the most successful yet.

Dr Carter says: 'Awareness of mouth cancer remains extremely poor. This includes knowledge about what causes the disease, what it looks like in the early stages, where it can appear and where members of the public should go if they notice something out of the ordinary.

'This has a devastating impact on survival outcomes, as well as a person’s quality of life.

'Mouth Cancer Action Month is all about saving lives by improving the nation’s knowledge of mouth cancer. To do this, we are asking you to speak with patients and head out into local community groups.

'By having a conversation about mouth cancer we can help people reduce their risk and increase the numbers who are diagnosed early.”

The Oral Health Foundation has created a guide about the campaign, which the charity hopes will give everyone the kickstart they need to get set for Mouth Cancer Action Month 2019.

Several events and fundraising activities will be taking place across the month, with the Blue Ribbon Appeal and the popular #BlueLipSelfie and Blue Wednesday also making a return.

The charity, along with campaign sponsors Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, are encouraging as much participation from dental and health professionals as possible.

Dr Catherine Rutland, Head Dental Officer at Simplyhealth says: 'With cases of mouth cancer increasing significantly over the past decade, it’s never been more important for dental and health professionals to raise awareness of the disease and help patients to understand the risks and symptoms.

'Checking patients for mouth cancer at every routine dental appointment not only helps to identify any problems at the earliest stage, it also provides you with an opportunity to talk to patients about mouth cancer. As part of a mouth cancer check, you can discuss the risk factors and symptoms, as well as encourage patients to self-examine at home.'

To discover more information about Mouth Cancer Action Month 2019, including ways to fundraise, the stories at the heart of the campaign and the impact of mouth cancer in general, visit www.mouthcancer.org.