HEAD to Warrington Hospital next Wednesday for a free mouth cancer screening.

Staff are throwing open the maxillofacial and orthodontic department's doors from 9am to 12pm, 1 to 4.30pm and 5 to 7.30pm as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month and inviting residents to have their mouth examined by one of the specialists in the team as latest figures have found the number of people diagnosed with mouth cancer are on the rise.

Dr Adrian Thorp, associate specialist at the hospital said: “A growing number of people are developing the disease without displaying any traditional risk factors which underlines the need for check-ups and self-examination.

"Statistics are also changing with men once being five times more likely to develop mouth cancer, now it is twice as likely.

"The lower age limit affected is also falling from in the 40s to the 30s. If you have any worries or doubts, get it checked out.

"We will be delighted to see as many people as possible on the day. Just drop in to the department and we’ll give a quick check up and some advice.”

Staff hope the event will also raise awareness of early warning signs of mouth cancer and risk factors such as smoking, excess alcohol and the importance of having regular visits to the dentist.

If you cannot make it to the event, self-examination is also a simple, potentially life-saving process.

Dr Thorp said: “You should look out for ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings.

"If you have any concerns about your mouth make an appointment with your dentist immediately and make sure they know your worries.”

No appointment is necessary on the day and anyone attending will be given free parking if they give their registration number to the receptionist at the maxillofacial/orthodontics department.