Members of the public are being reminded that they can avail of free mouth cancer examinations today (September 21) as part of Mouth Cancer Awareness Day 2011.

Last year, some 3,000 people were examined at the Cork and Dublin Dental Schools and Hospitals to mark the event and six people were diagnosed with mouth cancer as a result.

A number of pre-cancerous cases were also detected and have since been treated.

This year, with the support of the Irish Dental Association (IDA), 750 dental surgeries nationwide are offering the free exams, meaning many more people will be able to avail of them.

Speaking about the event, Dr Eleanor O'Sullivan of the Cork University Dental School and Hospital pointed out that awareness of the disease, which kills around 100 people every year, is quite low and the public needs to become more aware of the risk factors associated with it.

"It is not widely known but if you drink and smoke, you are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer. The examination is straightforward, painless and takes less than five minutes. Follow up appointments will be made for anyone who needs further investigation," she explained.

Other risk factors include a diet lacking in fruit and vegetables and excessive exposure to sunlight or radiation. Meanwhile, symptoms of the disease can include ulcers that do not heal, lumps or swelling on the neck and difficulty swallowing. Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of a good outcome.

"Roughly 50% of all mouth cancers here are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This can result in more complex treatment with a greater impact on quality of life and overall survival. That is why it is so important that people arrange a screening. We are particularly keen to see non-regular attenders," commented IDA president, Dr Conor McAlister.

Meanwhile author and mouth cancer survivor, Lia Mills, pointed out that ‘if you give cancer time and room to grow, it will take it'.

"If you have a lump or sore patch in your mouth that doesn't clear within three weeks, you should get it checked. September 21 is the one day in the year when you don't have to pay for a mouth cancer examination," she added.

Mouth Cancer Awareness Day is a joint initiative by the IDA, the Irish Cancer Society, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Cork Dental University Hospital, the Dental Health Foundation and Mouth, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Ireland.

For more information on free screening today, visit mouthcancerawareness.ie

If you have concerns about any type of cancer, call the National Cancer Helpline at 1800 200 700.