"We have seen this explosion in the rate of oral cancer in a 10- to 12-year period when we know the extent of exposure to the main risk factor, i.e. smoking, has fallen and over a period when consumption of alcohol in the U.K. has gone up precipitously," said Alex Markham, the group's CEO.

Only one in five people surveyed by Cancer Research UK knew that alcohol was the second-leading risk factor for oral cancer, behind smoking.

Cancer Research UK is currently running a government-funded information campaign on oral cancer, targeting both the public and health professionals. Signs of oral cancer include mouth ulcers or sores, red or white patches, unexplained pain in the ears or mouth, or a lump in the neck that persists for longer than three weeks.

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