Dr Philip Lewis MBE – 1953 to 2024
It was with devastating sadness, in October 2024, that the Mouth Cancer Foundation announced the heartbreaking passing of our Past President and Dentist, Dr Philip Lewis MBE, a distinguished figure in dentistry and raising awareness for head and neck cancers.
Philip, who was involved with our charity since its inception, devoted his career to highlighting the importance of checking for mouth cancers and was continuing to educate the dental profession and the general public right up until a couple of weeks ago.
Dr Philip’s involvement in Dentistry began when he qualified in London in 1977. He has worked in general practice and as a clinical assistant in the hospital service. Philip takes a keen interest in postgraduate education, development of the dental team and public awareness of dental issues. He was on the Editorial Advisory Board of both Private Dentistry and Aesthetic Dentistry Today magazines, has received awards for commitment to postgraduate education, and belonged to a number of professional dental societies.
In addition, Philip was a long-serving member of the British Dental Association and acts as a media spokesperson. He has made many television and radio appearances and had numerous articles and interviews published in the Dental and Consumer press. He has been short listed in the Dentist of the Year Awards and has lectured to other dentists on clinical innovations and practice management issues.
For more than 20 years he has been closely involved with the early detection of mouth cancer, writing articles, lecturing regularly and training dental teams. In addition to all the amazing work in the field of cancer Philip also ran a single-handed private dental practice on the Isle of Wight.
Mouth Cancer Foundation Founder Dr Vinod Joshi OBE says, “Philip was a terrific champion of highlighting the importance of checking for mouth cancer. He was also a Mouth Cancer Foundation stalwart being involved from very early on supporting our charity goals and dreams. This is such sad news”.
Philip leaves behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and dedication. He will be remembered as an Ambassador and Past President of the Mouth Cancer Foundation, an excellent Dentist, a visionary leader, and a cherished member of the dental and head and neck cancer community. His life was defined by his love for helping others and his relentless pursuit of educating everyone about mouth cancer.
He is survived by his family, friends, and countless colleagues whose lives he touched. Philip’s memory will forever inspire those who knew him and those who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in raising awareness of mouth cancer. Our thoughts are with our fellow Ambassadors, his wife Joy, daughter Chloe and whole family at this time. Rest in peace, Dr Philip Lewis MBE. You are greatly missed.
In Philip’s memory the charity has introduced a Special Achievement Award to recognise the efforts of a volunteer who goes above and beyond, not only for the Mouth Cancer Foundation, but for the work they do for head and neck cancer. Our first recipient certainly does that. Karen Leisching-Schroder works tirelessly with numerous patients giving her time freely and working all hours on the charity’s private Facebook group, with patients, on the Monday night online support group, private one to one calls with patients when they need it, working at looking at new ways to improve the lives of patients going through treatment and living with a head and neck cancer diagnosis. What is even more remarkable is that Karen herself is a survivor.
The Dr Philip Lewis MBE Special Achievement Award will be awarded every year at the Mouth Cancer 10 KM Awareness Walk. If you think someone you know deserves this award please email info@mouthcancerfoundation.org and let us know why. We look forward to hearing from you!
