1 day Ago By [email protected] (Shauna Bannon Ward)
David Hickey was diagnosed with mouth cancer after he found a “small ulcer”. The former Dublin GAA player and transplant surgeon highlighted the importance of keeping up with your oral health and getting regular dental checks. After finding a small ulcer on his gum and swelling on the floor of his mouth he went to get it checked out and it turned out that it was cancer.
Read more: Dublin baby, 10 months, diagnosed with nerve cell cancer after becoming suddenly unwell Read more: Dentist says see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms in your mouth David appeared on ‘The Whole Tooth’ podcast in conjunction with the Irish Dental Association to share his story for Mouth Cancer Awareness Day, which lands on 20 September. He said: “I immediately went to see my brother who is a dentist and following subsequent hospital tests I was diagnosed with oral cancer ”. The former footballer explained that “early diagnosis is key” and dental practitioners understand what can happen if such an issue isn’t dealt with immediately.
David shared: “With mouth cancer in particular, you have a small window of opportunity, which closes very fast. I would very much recommend regular checks and if you notice anything, like bleeding when brushing your teeth, then you should be seen by your dentist immediately.” There are 700 cases of mouth, neck and head cancer every year in Ireland today, with 250 cases of mouth cancer alone.
The symptoms of head, neck and mouth cancers depend on where the tumour is, the Irish Cancer Society says. Some common symptoms include:.
