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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: 2nd November, 2022

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: 2nd November, 2022

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

Victor Middleton

Victor Middleton

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

Published: 2nd January, 2018

Updated: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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: 2nd November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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Latest

  • Panorama uncovers baby food pouch scandal – what parents need to know

    Panorama uncovers baby food pouch scandal – what parents need to know

    29 APR 2025 - Last night’s Panorama revealed the ugly truth about baby food pouches – and the Oral Health Foundation is warning parents to take a closer look at what’s really inside.

  • Impact of health inequalities report highlights a growing concern

    Impact of health inequalities report highlights a growing concern

    03 APR 25 -The Oral Health Foundation is highlighting new concerns over the impact of health inequalities, calling on the government to set out how its health mission will tackle avoidable illness, including preventable oral diseases.

  • Practical oral care tips for people with Parkinson’s disease

    Practical oral care tips for people with Parkinson’s disease

    11 APRIL 25 - Maintaining oral health is important for people with Parkinson’s disease, as symptoms can complicate oral hygiene management and dental care. As it is World Parkinson’s Day, we want to highlight these challenges and provide some solutions to make oral health easier to manage.

  • World Oral Health Day: How your oral health impacts your mental wellbeing

    World Oral Health Day: How your oral health impacts your mental wellbeing

    20 MAR 25 - Your mouth, body, and mind are all connected, and looking after your oral health is a key part of looking after yourself. Let’s explore how a healthy smile can help you feel happier and healthier.

Most read

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Burning mouth syndrome

    Burning mouth syndrome

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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
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: 1st November, 2023

Author: George Bushell

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, 2023

Updated: 29th April, 2025

Author: Sophie Turner

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Oral Health Foundation, PO BOX 7107, Smile House, 2A East Union Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 9WL, UK

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