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  1. Home
  2. Real life stories

Real life stories

These amazing people have faced mouth cancer.

Their stories give us an insight into the impact that mouth cancer has - not only on their own life, but also the lives of loved ones.

Paul Roebuck

Paul Roebuck

Psychotherapist Paul was on holiday with his wife in Las Vegas and woke up with blood in his mouth. He decided to get checked out by his dentist, who immediately knew something was seriously wrong. Read more

Published: 20th October, 2019

Updated: 4th January, 2021

Author: George Bushell

Stephanie Leach

Stephanie Leach

Stephanie's story should serve as a reminder that mouth cancer can sadly affect all of us. Even if you don't fall into any of the risk factors, you should still be aware of the warning signs. Read more

Published: 26th October, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: George Bushell

Laura Taylor

Laura Taylor

"Age is just a number, I’m 23 a non-smoker and don’t drink yet I still got the mouth cancer, it only takes 45 seconds to check your mouth, DO IT!! I was only 23, I should be hearing about my son’s day at nursery, not cancer." Read more

Published: 15th February, 2018

Updated: 5th October, 2021

Author: Gavin Hawes

Ali Campbell

Ali Campbell

Ali Campbell from Dorset, found an ulcer in her mouth at the start of 2017. When it turned out that it was mouth cancer she embarked on an incredible journey which has so far taken many twists and turns. Read more

Published: 2nd January, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: Gavin Hawes

Rachel Parsons

Rachel Parsons

On Boxing Day, Rachel Parsons first noticed a lump in her mouth. Having heard of mouth cancer and the symptoms, she knew she needed to get checked out. Read more

Published: 2nd January, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: David Arnold

Victor Middleton

Victor Middleton

Victor was diagnosed with mouth cancer three years ago, on 23 December. A smoker and drinker, Victor was shocked to discover that it cancer was also linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Read more

Published: 2nd January, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: David Arnold

David Shakesby

David Shakesby

The fight against mouth cancer is a hard and difficult task but with his family and friends by his side every step of the way David Shakesby was determined to emulate his sci-fi idols and battle it bravely. Read more

Published: 2nd January, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: David Arnold

Christine Gundry

Christine Gundry

As a PhD student researching cancer, Christine had heard time and time again the latest cancer statistics. In her own words, Christine gives us her own unique perspective – patient and researcher. Read more

Published: 2nd January, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: David Arnold

Amanda Goulden

Amanda Goulden

Amanda from Bolton was diagnosed with mouth cancer when she was just 34. Here, in her own words, is her powerful and heart-breaking story of her experience with being diagnosed and undergoing treatment and why she feels it is best to see your dentist if you are concerned about anything. Read more

Published: 1st January, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: Gavin Hawes

Sally Bragg

Sally Bragg

Sally Bragg has a very different perception of life after being diagnosed with cancer of the cheek 20 years ago. At the time, Sally had never heard of mouth cancer. Read more

Published: 1st January, 2018

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: David Arnold

Gordon Mullen

Gordon Mullen

In 2006, Gordon knew something wasn’t quite right in his mouth, yet he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was. Fortunately for him, during a routine check up, his dentist could. Read more

Published: 31st December, 2017

Updated: 22nd October, 2019

Author: David Arnold

Back to top

Showing 10 of 11

Latest

  • Word of Mouth: June 2022

    Word of Mouth: June 2022

    This latest edition is dedicated National Smile Month -- Oral Health Foundation's campaign that has been putting a smile on thousands of faces over the last month. Some of the articles in this issue highlight some of these injustices. We also have some great oral health advice about brushing, nutrition and saving money with your oral health.

  • Dental teams can be ‘vital link’ in caring for patients with eating disorders, says charity

    Dental teams can be ‘vital link’ in caring for patients with eating disorders, says charity

    Dental teams are in the ideal position to identify and act on early signs of eating disorders, says the Oral Health Foundation.

  • 10 foods and drinks with surprising oral health benefits

    10 foods and drinks with surprising oral health benefits

    Week 3 of National Smile Month will see us focus on what role nutrition and diet have on our oral health. As part of National Smile Month, we’ve highlighted ten foods and drinks which you might not realise can help improve your oral health massively. Do you recognise any on this list?

  • Top money saving tips for your oral health

    Top money saving tips for your oral health

    Finding out where to save money is not an easy task as there is so much variety on offer especially online and when confronted with supermarket shelves. Your dentist will be able to tell you what type of toothpaste you need, however, if you prefer doing your own research and shopping around for better deals then we have some tips to point you in the right direction. To help you along the way, here are our top money saving tips for your oral health...

Most read

  • Mouth ulcers

    Mouth ulcers

    Usually red or yellow in colour, mouth ulcers are painful sores that can appear inside the mouth and also on the outer lips.

  • What to do following an extraction

    What to do following an extraction

    General advice about what to do after having teeth taken out. Includes what precautions you should take and things to avoid.

  • Geographic tongue

    Geographic tongue

    Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface.

  • How to spot mouth cancer

    How to spot mouth cancer

    How much do you know about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer? By being Mouthaware you can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer.

  • Burning mouth syndrome

    Burning mouth syndrome

    Burning Mouth Syndrome can be an extremely uncomfortable condition which can have several potential causes.

  • Bridges and partial dentures

    Bridges and partial dentures

    These replacement options for missing teeth are often recommended for oral health purposes as well as cosmetic appearance.

  • What foods and drinks contain acid and why it spells trouble for our oral health

    What foods and drinks contain acid and why it spells trouble for our oral health

    10 JUNE 19 - As part of National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and GSK have come together to discuss the threat acidic foods and drinks pose to our oral health.

  • Wisdom teeth

    Wisdom teeth

    The wisdom teeth are the last to appear, right at the back of the mouth, often between 17 and 25 but sometime many years later.

  • Sugar free chewing gum

    Sugar free chewing gum

    Chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums in between meals when it may not be possible to brush with a toothbrush.

  • Jaw problems and headaches

    Jaw problems and headaches

    If you jaw and teeth are not lined up correctly it will not only affect your bite but could result in severe headaches and jaw pain.

Tag cloud

bad breath Campaigns Dental health Dental hygiene awareness Free check up Mouth Cancer Mouth Cancer Action Month National Smile Month Oral Cancer Oral health Patient story Safebrace Smilathon Smiley Sugar TMA Tag 1
A-Z of Oral Health

A-Z of Oral Health

Learn all about a variety of oral health conditions and how they can affect you. Read more

Published: 26th January, 2015

Updated: 26th January, 2022

Author: Sophie Turner

Dental Helpline

Dental Helpline

Contact our team of fully-qualified professionals by telephone (01788 539780), or email ([email protected]) for impartial advice about your oral health. Read more

Published: 25th October, 2018

Updated: 7th June, 2022

Author:

The Oral Health Podcast

The Oral Health Podcast

Listen to bite-size discussions with industry leaders about how to improve your oral health. Read more

Published: 16th May, 2019

Updated: 20th June, 2022

Author: George Bushell

Latest tweet

  • RT @OluLat3: Wow! A month already! ⁦@smilemonth⁩ ends today but we will keep the awareness on 👍. ⁦@MCM_HEKSS⁩ ⁦@SmileySelfie⁩ ⁦… https://t.co/tBfAuGJd92

    20thJune, 2022 @dentalhealthorg
  • RT @BDCFToralhealth: On the final day of National smile month the sun is shining in Bradford ! The children are smiling at St Oswalds Ac… https://t.co/KpkA5FBz0K

    20thJune, 2022 @dentalhealthorg
  • RT @smilemonth: Thank you to all of our sponsors for making #SmileMonth possible https://t.co/XeEyhIBj1V

    17thJune, 2022 @dentalhealthorg

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Oral Health Foundation, Smile House, 2 East Union Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 6AJ, UK

Oral Health Foundation is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 1027338) and registered as a charity (number 263198).

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About Safe Smiles

Safe Smiles is a new charity campaign by the Oral Health Foundation that gives you unbiased, trusted and expert advice about dental treatments.

We are here to help steer you in the right direction so that you can make informed and safe choices about your treatment. This campaign is all about keeping your smile safe, healthy and looking great.

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