Concerns raised about an increase in people using the Internet to self-diagnose illnesses

A UK health charity has raised concerns following new research which reveals the alarming use of online self-diagnosis.
Concerns over an increase in online self-diagnosis. Pic: Rob McDougallConcerns over an increase in online self-diagnosis. Pic: Rob McDougall
Concerns over an increase in online self-diagnosis. Pic: Rob McDougall

The British Dental Health Foundation believes an over-reliance on websites, particularly online symptom checkers, could lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment of life threatening diseases such as mouth cancer.

Four in ten people questioned by the charity say they prefer turning to the internet to investigate their symptoms, while less than one in three (31 per cent) would see their doctor or dentist first.

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Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “The internet can undoubtedly be a fantastic source for information.

“But it would be highly ill-advised to place too much reliance on what we read online. Incorrect advice, biased agendas, invalid sources and our own mis-interpretation regarding what we read and search for could lead to potentially dangerous results.

“I went on a well-known online diagnostic website today and searched for ‘white patches in the mouth’, one of the major symptoms of mouth cancer. The only diagnosis it suggested was for thrush.”

He continued: “White patches in the mouth, alongside red patches, non-healing mouth ulcers and unusual lumps in the head and neck area are the main signs of mouth cancer, as well as having many other causes the least of which is thrush. Being given a misdiagnosis of these online may lead to a delay in visiting the dentist and receiving timely treatment.

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“With mouth cancer, early diagnosis is vital as it can dramatically improve the chances of survival from 50 to 90 per cent.

“November is Mouth Cancer Action Month and throughout the month we are asking you to be aware to any of these symptoms and to be alert for any changes in your mouth.

“Instead of consulting Dr Google, ensure that you visit your dentist or doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything out of the ordinary.“

Mouth Cancer Action Month, organised by the British Dental Health Foundation and sponsored by Denplan, is aiming to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer in order to get more cases caught early enough to make a difference to the chances of survival.

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Statistics show that mouth cancer rates are seeing a rapid increase, with more than 7300 Brits now being diagnosed with the disease each year. Mouth cancer also claims far more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined and some of this can be attributed to late diagnoses.

Dr Carter added: “While the internet is a great source of information nothing can beat the tried and tested way of seeing a professional when it comes to our health.

“A dentist can not only ensure our teeth and gums remain healthy but they also visually examine us for signs of mouth cancer – something we certainly cannot get at from logging in at home.”

To learn more about Mouth Cancer Action Month and find out how ‘mouthaware’ you really are, please visit www.mouthcancer.org