Alcohol is the second biggest contributor of mouth cancer after tobacco, a fact not very well known, say British scientists.

According to Professor Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, above four units of alcohol per day (four small glasses of wine), the risk of mouth cancer increases linearly with the amount of alcohol consumed, reports the online edition of BBC News.

He said the health damage caused by alcohol was under-recognised. People are not aware that alcohol is a major cause of mouth cancer although it is preventable.

Mouth cancer kills more people in Britain than cervical cancer and testicular cancer put together - some 1,600 people last year.

Yet, more than 75 percent of cases are preventable by quitting smoking and drinking alcohol only in moderation.

Cancer Research UK is launching a three year campaign with 300,000 pounds funding from the government targeting those most at risk - heavy drinkers, smokers and people who chew tobacco.

As well as raising awareness of the condition, the campaign provides information on the warning signs to look out for, such as an ulcer or a sore in the mouth that lasts longer than three weeks.

Sara Hiom of Cancer Research UK explained: "The good news is that the disease is largely preventable.

"Evidence shows that early detection of mouth cancer can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment - raising five-year survival rates from around 50 percent to 90 percent."