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Cancer Survivor Urges People To 'seek Help' If They Spot Weird Symptom In Their Mouth
Chris Byrne, 66, was diagnosed with mouth cancer just weeks after he first noticed an unusual ulcer on his tongue. His experience has prompted him to raise awareness
Chris Byrne was diagnosed with mouth cancer after spotting an ulcer on his tongue (Image: Chris Byrne)
A cancer survivor is urging people to "seek help" if they notice an unusual ulcer in their mouth.
Chris Byrne, 66, was diagnosed with mouth cancer just weeks after spotting an odd-looking ulcer on his tongue. He said: "I remember my wife telling me I should get that looked at, so I went along to my dentist who referred me into the head and neck team at the local hospital. At the time I wasn't sure what it was, but I never suspected cancer."
After a biopsy on his tongue confirmed cancer, Chris was fortunate that it was detected early, sparing him from needing radiotherapy post-surgery. He underwent a 10-hour operation to remove part of his tongue and several lymph nodes. Surgeons reconstructed his tongue using skin from his forearm.
Chris expressed: "I'm proud of the scar on my arm and my new tongue - a reminder that I did the right thing and didn't hesitate going to see my dentist." His ordeal led him to co-found a local branch of The Swallows head and neck cancer charity with another patient, aiming to offer support to others embarking on their own battles with head and neck cancer.
Chris' scar after surgery (Image:
Chris Byrne)Six years after his ordeal, Chris from Bewdley in Worcestershire celebrates being cancer-free. He said: "I'm so grateful that I didn't ignore that mouth ulcer and got it checked out. My speech is good and my neck scars barely noticeable. I realise now just how important it is know your own body and to seek help if you notice something that isn't normal for you. That's why the new messaging on these toothpaste and mouthwash packets are so important."
Chris's experience comes to light as the NHS and retail giant Asda join forces, embarking on a campaign to spread crucial advice about spotting early signs of mouth cancer on millions of oral hygiene products. Kicking off this month, Asda's own-label toothpaste and mouthwash bottles will now carry lifesaving NHS guidance accessible to shoppers in over 500 locations nationwide.
The key information will be featured prominently on product packaging, complete with a link steering consumers to the NHS website for an in-depth understanding of mouth and throat cancers. This innovative initiative aims to heighten public knowledge of potential warning signs, like a persistent ulcer persisting over three weeks, prompting individuals to make timely GP or dentist appointments for essential check-ups.
Symptoms to look out for when it comes to mouth cancer include persistent white or red patches in the mouth, a long-lasting swelling or lump in the jaw, neck, or mouth, and troubles with swallowing, chewing, or moving your tongue or jaw. Other warning signs might be numbness in different parts of the mouth, feeling like something is constantly stuck in your throat, having a sore throat or hoarseness that won't go away after six weeks, and teeth that suddenly loosen without explanation.
The Asda toothpaste with the new health warning (Image:
Asda)Though many of these symptoms can often be attributed to less serious conditions, experts stress the importance of swift action and checking up on any persisting issues. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment options, reports Bristol Live.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, said: "Early detection of mouth cancer can help save lives and this fantastic new partnership with Asda will be vital in raising awareness of the signs and in supporting the NHS's ambition to diagnose more cancers at an earlier stage. By placing health messaging on products like toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles that people use every day, we're encouraging people to be vigilant about potential symptoms of mouth cancer and to get checked early.
"Like many other cancers, mouth cancers have a much better prognosis if found early raising awareness is a crucial step, and while many of these symptoms won't be caused by cancer, we'd encourage anyone with any concerns to come forward and contact their dentist or GP."
The NHS has kicked off a new partnership on World Head and Neck Cancer Day, which fell on July 27, as part of its ongoing campaign to get youngsters to agree to the HPV jab. This vaccine can slash the risk of HPV-related cancers, including those in the mouth. It's offered gratis by the NHS to all kids aged 12 to 13 (school year 8) and is also up for grabs without charge for all girls and women under 25, plus boys born after September 1, 2006.
The Asda mouthwash with the health warning (Image:
Asda)Stats from the Mouth Cancer Foundation reveal that mouth cancer ranks as the UK's eighth most common cancer, with over 11,700 fresh cases popping up each year. The condition is more likely to strike men than women, with nearly eight out of ten cases (78%) diagnosed in folks aged 55 and above.
Asda's vice president for commercial strategy, operations and own brand, Sam Dickson, said: "We're proud to launch this collaboration with the NHS by putting mouth and throat cancer awareness on our own brand oral hygiene products including mouthwash and toothpaste.
"Asda sells more than two million of these everyday items each year, so making this small change to our packaging means we can make a big difference in encouraging shoppers to be more aware and to highlight what they should do if they find any new or unexplained changes."
The president of the Mouth Cancer Foundation and Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, Mahesh Kumar, said: "Early detection is key in the fight against mouth cancers to save and improve lives. Any cancer caught early usually incurs a less invasive treatment plan. It is incredibly important to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms among the general public.
"The NHS advice on oral hygiene products will go a long way to highlighting the importance of looking after our oral health and acting sooner when something out of the ordinary is discovered."
Top Chef Alum Shirley Chung Reveals Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: "I Am A Fighter"
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After being diagnosed with Stage 4 tongue cancer, Shirley Chung was presented with two treatment options: She could take the less common route of chemotherapy and radiation or the more effective route of removing her tongue entirely. Shirley chose the former.
The Top Chef alum recalled the dilemma in a July 26 Instagram post in which she publicly announced her diagnosis. Shirley, who appeared in Top Chef: New Orleans (Season 11, 2013) and Top Chef: Charleston (Season 14, 2016), said she learned about her cancer nearly two months ago after a series of dental issues that were initially attributed to her teeth grinding.
"I bit my tongue severely; I fractured my tooth and had to extract it and get an implant… we thought it was because I am a heavy teeth grinder," she wrote in the lengthy post. "And I was too busy to see a EMT specialist. The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumor under my tongue. A few days later, I was diagnosed, stage 4 tongue cancer, as cancer cells also spread into my lymph nodes."
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Shirley Chung "broke down" when presented with cancer treatment optionsShirley said she remained "very calm" when she received the news and was focused on tackling the disease as soon as possible; however, she became dispirited shortly after.
"Sunday June 2nd, Dr. Ho, my lead oncologist at Cedar Sinai called to discuss treatment plans," she said. "I broke down, crying, trying to put thoughts together and ask questions but physically couldn't, all I heard was 'option 1, surgery, 100% removal of your tongue.'"
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Shirley said her husband, Jimmy Lee, kept his composure during the appointment and asked if there were alternative treatments that would allow Shirley to keep her tongue.
"'There is another option, which was a unicorn case, at University of Chicago,'" the doctor told the couple. "'They cured a patient (a chef!) with radiation and chemo, but you will have to go to Chicago.' Higher survival rate, or keep my tongue? I chose to keep my tongue, I am a fighter, I am a chef, I can be that unicorn too."
Shirley Chung is seeing improvement after six weeks of chemoOn July 26, Shirley confirmed she had completed six weeks of chemotherapy and had "many more to go." Although the experience has been far from easy, the chef said she's seen improvements in her health and overall mindset.
"My tumor is shrinking, my speech is much better and I can eat most normal food now," she wrote. "I am learning to lean on others, to let go, to be more vulnerable ….. It took me 2 weeks of contemplating to decide to tell my parents about my cancer, only my close circle of friends and my sister have known until now."
She continued: "I am learning, I can be strong 98% of the time, it's ok to be not ok. I have a tough long road to recovery in front of me. Your love and support will carry me through. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 will be reborn in 2025!"
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The post included photos of Shirley sitting in Ms Chi Cafe, a Chinese restaurant she owns and operates in Culver City, California. The carousel showed the chef shaving her head with the help of Jimmy, who also shaved his locks in an act of support and solidarity.
On Thursday (July 26) afternoon, the couple announced they were closing Ms Chi in early August so they could put all the energy into Shirley's recovery.
"We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you—our staff, supporters, and fans," they wrote. "We have truly enjoyed spreading the dumpling love over the last several years and calling Culver City our home!"
Man Who Spotted Early Cancer Sign In His Mouth Says 'seek Help' As NHS Lists Symptoms
Cancer survivor Chris Byrne, 66, is urging people to "seek help" if they notice any unusual ulcers in their mouth. After spotting an odd ulcer on his tongue, Chris was diagnosed with mouth cancer weeks later.
He said: "I remember my wife telling me I should get that looked at, so I went along to my dentist who referred me into the head and neck team at the local hospital. At the time I wasn't sure what it was, but I never suspected cancer."
Following a biopsy on his tongue, cancer was confirmed, but fortunately, due to early detection, Chris avoided radiotherapy post-surgery. He underwent a 10-hour surgery to remove part of his tongue and several lymph nodes. Remarkably, doctors reconstructed his tongue using skin from his forearm.
Chris said: "I'm proud of the scar on my arm and my new tongue - a reminder that I did the right thing and didn't hesitate going to see my dentist."
His ordeal has led him to co-found a local chapter of The Swallows head and neck cancer charity, aiming to provide support to others and their families embarking on their own battles with head and neck cancer, reports Bristol Live.
Six years after his diagnosis, Chris, from Bewdley in Worcestershire, is now cancer-free and said: "I'm so grateful that I didn't ignore that mouth ulcer and got it checked out. My speech is good and my neck scars barely noticeable. I realise now just how important it is know your own body and to seek help if you notice something that isn't normal for you. That's why the new messaging on these toothpaste and mouthwash packets are so important."
In a life-saving collaboration, Chris shares his tale as NHS partners with Asda to add vital health advice via toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles, urging people to promptly visit their GP or dentist upon spotting any signs indicative of mouth cancer. Commencing this month, Asda will include NHS guidelines on the packaging of its own-brand oral care products, allowing this critical information to be accessible throughout 500-plus Asda stores nationwide.
Detailed NHS advice will be featured on each item, complemented by a direct link to additional resources regarding mouth and throat cancer on the NHS website. By spotlighting symptoms, particularly persistent ulcers enduring longer than three weeks, this initiative seeks to bolster awareness and spur potentially lifesaving early check-ups.
Symptoms indicative of mouth cancer are not limited to persistent white or red patches in the mouth, but extend to lumps, swelling in the neck that doesn't subside after three weeks, and troubles with swallowing, chewing, or articulation of the jaw or tongue. Additionally, individuals should be attuned to any numbness within the mouth, the impression of an obstruction in their throat, persistent soreness or voice changes exceeding a six-week frame, and any sudden unsteadiness of teeth all potential heralds of the disease.
Despite the fact that these symptoms can frequently stem from less serious conditions, prompt consultation with healthcare professionals is critical, as early diagnosis significantly amplifies the likelihood of successful intervention.
NHS England's national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, said: "Early detection of mouth cancer can help save lives and this fantastic new partnership with Asda will be vital in raising awareness of the signs and in supporting the NHS's ambition to diagnose more cancers at an earlier stage. By placing health messaging on products like toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles that people use every day, we're encouraging people to be vigilant about potential symptoms of mouth cancer and to get checked early.
"Like many other cancers, mouth cancers have a much better prognosis if found early raising awareness is a crucial step, and while many of these symptoms won't be caused by cancer, we'd encourage anyone with any concerns to come forward and contact their dentist or GP."
The collaboration was unveiled on World Head and Neck Cancer Day on July 27, coinciding with the ongoing campaign urging youngsters to accept the HPV vaccine. The jab, known for slashing the risks of HPV-related cancers including mouth cancer, is provided via the NHS to all 12 to 13-year-old children and is also gratis for girls and women under 25 years old, as well as boys born post-September 1, 2006.
According to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, this illness ranks as the UK's eighth most prevalent cancer, with over 11,700 fresh diagnoses each year. It predominantly affects men, twice as often as women, and nearly eight in ten cases (78%) are diagnosed in people aged 55 and above.
Sam Dickson, Asda's vice president for commercial strategy, operations and own brand, said: "We're proud to launch this collaboration with the NHS by putting mouth and throat cancer awareness on our own brand oral hygiene products including mouthwash and toothpaste. Asda sells more than two million of these everyday items each year, so making this small change to our packaging means we can make a big difference in encouraging shoppers to be more aware and to highlight what they should do if they find any new or unexplained changes."
Mouth Cancer Foundation President and Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, Mahesh Kumar, highlighted the importance of early detection: "Early detection is key in the fight against mouth cancers to save and improve lives. Any cancer caught early usually incurs a less invasive treatment plan."
He also stressed the significance of public awareness: "It is incredibly important to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms among the general public. The NHS advice on oral hygiene products will go a long way to highlighting the importance of looking after our oral health and acting sooner when something out of the ordinary is discovered."
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