Walking the walk for mouth cancer awareness

The Mouth Cancer Foundation’s annual 10km awareness walk returns this September – learn how you can get involved.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation’s annual 10km awareness walk will take place on Saturday 23 September in London’s Hyde Park. The whole dental profession is being encouraged to step up and get involved. It is free to take part, so everyone, anywhere can join in!

A walk in the park 

In the UK, more than 3,034 lives are lost each year to mouth cancer. Worldwide, the disease affects around 650,000 per year. 

The majority of deaths from oral cancer occur because of late detection, due to a low public awareness of the signs, symptoms, and risks. To help combat this, the Mouth Cancer Foundation is dedicated to educating, raising awareness, and promoting the early detection of mouth cancer as well as supporting those affected by it.

One way the charity raises awareness of mouth and all head and neck cancers is through its annual Mouth Cancer 10km Awareness Walk.

The 2023 event will see walkers meet at Hyde Park’s bandstand at 11am ready to make a move from 12 noon.

Although this is a 10km walk, it is possible to walk as much or as little of the route as you wish.

However, if you can’t make the Mouth Cancer 10km Awareness Walk in Hyde Park, then fear not – the Mouth Cancer Foundation is once again holding its walk from home series.

Between Sunday 1 October and Thursday 30 November 2023, get your 10km in by walking as many times as you like on your own or with family and pets around the comfort of your own area. 

The charity is encouraging as many people as possible to step out and make a difference during Mouth Cancer Action Month.

Celebrate and support

Now in its 18th year, the Mouth Cancer 10km Awareness Walk is designed to increase understanding of oral and all head and neck cancers. It is also an opportunity to celebrate survivorship and raise funds to continue to support patients, carers and survivors coping with mouth cancer.

Mouth Cancer Foundation president, Mahesh Kumar, says: ‘The annual Mouth Cancer 10km Awareness Walk is a great event to focus our minds on one day and remember all those friends and family we have lost to this devastating disease. 

‘It also brings dental and medical professionals together… those at the coalface who see, treat and manage head and neck cancers and their after-effects.   

‘Mouth cancer in the UK is currently increasing year on year, so it is extra important we are aware of its signs and symptoms. The walk reinforces this message, and we would like everyone to come along and join us in Hyde Park on Saturday 23 September. Like the 75-year-old NHS, it is free for all to attend!’

For full details and to register for the Mouth Cancer 10km Awareness Walk, visit register.mouthcancerwalk.org.