November 6, 2019 — Approximately 8,300 people in the U.K. are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. That number is about 50% higher than it was a decade ago and 135% higher than it was 20 years ago, according to U.K. officials. Thus, the Oral Health Foundation is stressing the need for greater awareness of oral cancer and its signs and symptoms for this year’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

Oral health is a critical component to overall health for all ages, but according to dental and medical experts from UConn Health, vigilance is especially critical for the elderly.