NHS West Sussex is backing the campaign, which uses the 'if in doubt, get checked out' slogan and aims to raise awareness of the main risk factors for mouth cancer.

Figures show that 5,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year and 2,000 die annually – which works out at one death every five hours.

Thelma Edwards, of West Sussex community personal dental services, said: 'The campaign advises that early detection saves lives, improving survival chances from just over 50 per cent to more than 90 per cent.

'Drinkers, smokers and those who chew tobacco are most at risk. People need to speak to their dentist, doctor or pharmacist if they are concerned about mouth ulcers that don't heal or notice white or red patches or other unusual changes in the mouth.'

For information and advice on finding an NHS dentist, call 0300 1000 899. You can also contact the British Dental Health Foundation's national helpline on 0845 063 1188.

>> Vote in our latest web poll.