Super fruits like blueberries and blackberries could be used to stop mouth cancer cells spreading through the rest of the body, a study finds.

The Hong Kong University research, which is published in the Journal of Cancer Research, also revealed such fruits could reduce a person’s risk of developing mouth cancer.

The researchers attribute the cancer fighting qualities of blueberries and blackberries to a compound called lupeol.

This compound works by blocking a natural protein called NFkB which helps to grow and repair all cells - even cancerous ones.

High levels of lupeol are found in blackberries, blueberries and papaya.

The study found that as well as suppressing the spread of cancer, lupeol also reduced the size of the tumour three times faster than the conventional cisplatin drug. When the two were used together they were even more successful.

Dr Nigel Carter, British Dental Health Foundation: "In the UK, awareness of mouth cancer is frighteningly low - one in four have not even heard of it and up to one in two people are unaware of basic risk factors like tobacco and alcohol."

Tests on mice also suggested that, unlike conventional drugs, lupeol would not cause the patient to lose weight.

The findings were welcomed by Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation.

He said: "We already knew that a healthy diet, including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, could reduce a person’s risk of developing mouth cancer.

"However, the news that certain fruits might actually help to combat mouth cancer in people who have already developed the condition is a real revelation.

"It is true that this research is still in its very early stages. However, the suggestion is that the Lupeol compound could be more effective than traditional drugs in preventing the growth of mouth cancer cells."

He added: "In the UK, awareness of mouth cancer is frighteningly low - one in four have not even heard of it and up to one in two people are unaware of basic risk factors like tobacco and alcohol.

"In addition because common symptoms like ulcers that won’t heal or red or white patches in the mouth can be mistaken for something minor many mouth cancer patients don't visit their dentist or doctor until it is too late.

"Mouth cancer kills one person every five hours in the UK and the number of new cases is rising every year. However, with early detection, survival chances increase from one in two to nine out of ten - so if you do have any doubts then visit your dentist or doctor for a check up immediately."

For more information on mouth cancer, visit www.mouthcancer.org.