Health / Rise in ‘snus’ usage causing concern amid mouth cancer action month
A RISE in the use of oral nicotine tobacco pouches, typically known as “snus”, is causing concern among health professionals in Shetland.
Their usage has increased particularly among young people, with the trend being picked up by NHS Shetland.
It comes as NHS Shetland prepares to host a drop-in service next week for people to get checked for mouth cancer.
The screenings come in support of mouth cancer action month, which is held throughout November, with the health board raising awareness about the disease as cases in Scotland continue to rise.
Anyone with any concerns can visit the screenings at Grantfield vaccination centre in Lerwick on Monday 10 November between 9.30am and 12.30pm, and again between 2pm-4pm.
Cases in the UK have risen by 38 per cent across the last decade, with NHS Shetland saying that most cases are not detected until it is at the most advanced stage.
Oral health improvement nurse Angela Hopwood said: “Although often linked to lifestyle factors like smoking, which accounts for two out of every three cases, excess alcohol, poor diets and HPV (human papilloma virus) also contribute to some cases.
“Importantly, carrying out a simple check of our mouths just once a month will help us to spot any changes and can greatly reduce the risks of late diagnosis.
“Risk factors for mouth cancer include nicotine use in the form of smoking or chewing tobacco.
“Excessive drinking of alcohol when combined with nicotine can also increase the risk by up to 30 times.”
Hopwood said they were becoming “increasingly concerned” about the popularity of oral nicotine pouches among young people locally.
Compared to traditional smoking this increases the direct exposure time to oral tissues and, therefore, the risk of harm.
“We strongly advise against their use, and would also encourage parents and guardians to have open discussions with teenagers about the risks of nicotine vapes and pouches.”
She added that vapes should only be used to help smokers to quit cigarettes, and advised “if you don’t smoke, don’t vape”.
“Traditionally mouth cancer has been most common in men over the age of 55; however, we are now seeing cases in much younger adults of both sexes, so it is vital that everyone is aware of any unusual changes within their mouths,” she said.
“What you should be looking for are any non-healing mouth ulcers that last longer than two to three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth or throat, any lumps, bumps or swellings or unexplained pain or discomfort or difficulty eating, speaking or swallowing.
“Often these may be nothing to worry about, but it is always best to get them examined.”
Meanwhile a recent dental inspection programme carried out in Shetland found that almost 90 per cent of P7 pupils were decay-free.
NHS Shetland dentistry director Antony Visocchi described the figures as “excellent” and a “huge testament to the dedication of our entire dental team.
“For our Primary 7 pupils to have seven per cent less decay than just two years ago, and to also rank second in Scotland for decay-free teeth, is nothing short of remarkable,” he said.
And oral health improvement team leader Morag Mouat said they were “absolutely delighted” with the results.
“To see Shetland achieving the second-highest proportion of decay-free primary 7 pupils in the country is a real credit to the hard work of the whole dental team involved in children’s oral health, our education partners, and of course the childrenand families who have embraced the Childsmile programme.”
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