Oral Cancer Killed J.R.

Actor Larry Hagman known as J.R. Ewing in the television show, Dallas

It wasn't a gun that killed J.R. - it was oral cancer.

TV star Larry Hagman’s death from mouth cancer has prompted one charity to remind people about the dangers posed by the disease.

Hagman, best known for his role as JR Ewing in the hit series Dallas, died of tongue cancer on Friday, having been diagnosed with the disease in October last year.

Organised by the British Dental Health Foundation, Mouth Cancer Action Month, taking place throughout November, aims to raise awareness of a disease that has affected high-profile names such as Michael Douglas, radio presenter Danny Baker and former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott.

Tobacco use, drinking alcohol to excess, poor diet, and the human papilloma virus (HPV), often transmitted via oral sex, are all risk factors associated with mouth cancer. Looking for ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth is a potentially life-saving practice everyone can do.

Please have your dentist and/or physician do a thorough oral examination.

It might save your life!