Former Dublin GAA star David Hickey has spoken out about his diagnosis of oral cancer and highlighted the importance of regular dental checks. The GAA legend reflected on his sporting success, his pioneering medical career in the transplant field, and his battle with oral cancer on ‘The Whole Tooth’ podcast in conjunction with the Irish Dental Association. Hickey described the discovery of a “small ulcer” on his gum and swelling on the floor of his mouth that he thought might be serious. Speaking on Mouth Cancer Awareness Day, he said: “I immediately went to see my brother who is a dentist and following subsequent hospital tests I was diagnosed with oral cancer”. He added that “early diagnosis is key” and that dental practitioners are very aware of the potential difficulties one can run into if it is not dealt with quickly. “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”, David Hickey said. There are 700 cases of mouth, neck and head cancer every year in Ireland today, with 250 cases of mouth cancer alone. Oral cancer specifically targets the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, hard palate (roof of the mouth) and floor of the mouth. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland has said that there was an elevated risk of death among oral cancer patients who were older than 60 years of age, smokers and people whose tumour was situated at the base of the tongue. The registry reported that oral cancer increased significantly for both genders between 1999 and 2009 in Ireland. This increase was reported to be due to factors such as smoking, time of diagnosis, age, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and overexposure to sunlight and radiation. The Irish Dental Association has said that oral cancer can affect anybody and at any stage of their life. “Signs of mouth cancer include white or red patches in the mouth, a lump or persistent sore throat or hoarseness”, said vice president of the Irish Dental Association Eamon Croke. “If someone hasn’t visited the dentist in a long time, we would urge them to get checked out”, Mr Croke said. “We would also encourage all healthcare professionals to be aware of the signs and refer to a dentist if they have any concerns – it could save a life. This episode of the podcast series is about more than just education, it's about empowering people to take control of their health and their future. 80 pc of the population is entitled to a free oral examination through their PRSI or Medical Card”. Mouth Cancer Awareness Day is an annual campaign run by the Irish Dental Association. It aims to highlight the importance of visiting a dentist regularly for a full oral examination in order to maintain good oral health and raise awareness on the circumstances surrounding oral cancer. It is every year on the third Wednesday of September. ## Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups David Hickey, the former Dublin GAA player and transplant surgeon, highlighted the importance of keeping up with your oral health and getting regular dental checks. The former Dublin GAA star spoke about his battle with mouth cancer on ‘The Whole Tooth’ podcast and advised everyone to get checked out by a dentist as soon as possible if they experience any symptoms. “Early diagnosis is the key. Dental practitioners are very aware of the potential difficulties you can run into if this is not dealt with quickly”, Hickey said. ## The Importance of Early Detection Hickey emphasized that early diagnosis is critical when it comes to oral cancer. He explained: “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.” ## What to Look Out For According to the Irish Dental Association, signs of mouth cancer include: * White or red patches in the mouth * A lump or persistent sore throat or hoarseness * Difficulty or pain on chewing and swallowing ## What Causes Mouth Cancer? The Irish Dental Association has highlighted the main risk factors of Mouth Cancer which include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and over exposure to sunlight or radiation. However, oral cancer can affect anybody and any stage in their life. ## A Call to Action “We would also encourage all healthcare professionals to be aware of the signs and refer to a dentist if they have any concerns – it could save a life,” said Eamon Croke, vice president of the Irish Dental Association. ## A Message of Hope David Hickey’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventive measures and early detection. Despite his own experience with oral cancer, he remains optimistic and encourages everyone to take control of their health and their future. ## The Takeaway: David Hickey’s experience with mouth cancer serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular dental check-ups and the crucial role early detection plays in the fight against this disease. Hickey's call to action encourages everyone to prioritize their oral health, be aware of the warning signs, and seek professional care immediately if they notice any unusual changes in their mouth. By promoting awareness and encouraging regular check-ups, we can work towards preventing oral cancer and ensuring a healthier future for all.