“My only symptom was mild, persistent discomfort, something I could easily have ignored. If something does not feel right or is not healing, get it checked.”
After what initially seemed like minor dental issues, Chris Fleming was shocked to be diagnosed with mouth cancer last December.
In the summer of 2025, Chris, from Holywood, Co Down had two teeth removed after experiencing mild discomfort, which was thought to be caused by stress-related teeth grinding.
But a few weeks later, a similar discomfort developed around a wisdom tooth. Acting on advice, Chris had the tooth removed, but this time the area did not seem to heal properly.
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Chris explained: “The pain was only about three out of ten, it didn’t really concern me. There was a small flat area that just would not go away. It was more of an annoyance than anything else, but I knew something was not quite right.”
After returning to his dentist and attending a follow-up appointment, by chance taking a slot originally intended for his mother, Chris was referred urgently to the School of Dentistry for further investigation.
Despite having none of the typical risk factors associated with mouth cancer, including smoking or heavy alcohol use, a biopsy was carried out. A week later, on December 17, Chris received life-changing news.
Chris recalled: “It felt like a punch. You do not really process it at first. It is like someone is talking, but you cannot fully hear or understand what they are saying. Everything just becomes muffled.”
Chris described the first 48 hours after his diagnosis as particularly difficult: “When everything is going well in life, you do not think about death. But with a cancer diagnosis, it suddenly feels like it is staring you in the face. That is where your mind naturally goes.
“That initial period was dark, but speaking to my Minister and leaning on my faith helped bring a sense of calm.”
In early January, Chris attended the Ulster Hospital, where he met his Consultant, Mr John Hanratty and began his treatment journey.
Chris added: “From that point on, everything moved very quickly. The care I received in the Ulster Hospital was absolutely phenomenal. From the consultants to the nursing staff, the level of support and professionalism was incredible.”
Chris was really shocked at his diagnosis, given his lifestyle: “I do not smoke, I do not drink much and I keep myself fit. Even when I was being referred, I was joking that the first thing they would tell me is that it was not cancer. To then hear that it was, it just completely turned everything upside down.”
Highlighting the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, Consultant Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeon with the South Eastern Trust, Mr John Hanratty explained: “Mouth cancer can present in different ways.
“It could be an ulcer that has been present for more than three weeks, a white or red patch in the mouth that is giving symptoms of pain, or a lump or swelling in the mouth, oral cavity or neck area. So we would ask that if you have any of these you should be checked by a dentist or GP.
“Evidence also shows that oral cancer is more prevalent with social deprivation, poor diet, increased alcohol consumption and smoking which are all increased risk factors. We know that early detection and treatment can lead to better outcomes for the patient. But unfortunately only 20% of people will present with an early stage cancer.
“The majority about 45% will present with a cancer that is large or has spread elsewhere and this gives the cancer a greater stage and poorer outcome for patients. So we would ask that if you have a problem please don’t be afraid to let your doctor or dentist know.”
Encouraging others to be aware of the signs and symptoms, Chris added: “My only symptom was mild, persistent discomfort, something I could easily have ignored. If something does not feel right or is not healing, get it checked. Do not wait.
“Even if you think it is nothing, it is always better to check. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.”
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