Whether it’s the first time we are welcoming you or we see you 4 times a year, we will do an oral cancer screening by checking for signs or indicators, including feeling for irregular tissues or bumps in your mouth, around your jaws and neck. We will also use Oral ID, fluorescence technology, as this allows for detection of abnormalities that may be hard to spot with the naked eye. We understand that the key to treating oral cancer is early recognition and since we don’t believe you can put a price on a life – we don’t charge for this service, it is simply part of what we believe a check up should be. If we notice anything unusual or concerning, a biopsy may be recommended for further examination. This might involve a referring you to the appropriate professional.
**Oral cancer screening is not part of a Consult or Emergency appointment.
Anybody can develop oral cancer but if one or more of the following apply to you, you might be at higher risk;
- Male
- Between 50-70 years of age
- Using any tobacco products
- Smoking/vaping
- Drinking excessive alcohol** or using alcohol based mouthwash
- Certain viruses such as EBV and HPV
- Exposure to UVA and UVB sunrays
- Family history of any cancer
**for alcohol limitation advice visit https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/diet-and-exercise/limit-alcohol
Oral cancer can be present around the gums, cheeks, lips, palate (roof of the mouth), tongue, floor of mouth (area under the tongue) or throat. Some common signs include;
- Red or white sores or spots in the mouth
- An ulcer or sore that does not heal after 2 weeks or bleeds easily
- A lump, or rough spot of irregular mouth tissue
- Loose or moving teeth
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or on the lips
- Problems chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your jaw
- Unexplained weight loss
Aside from visiting us for your checkup every 6-12 months, there are other ways you can help prevent the development of oral cancer. The number one way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and excessive alcohol**
Other tips include limiting your UVA/UVB sun exposure, and always wearing sunscreen appropriately. For your overall health, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet has more benefits than just preventing oral cancer.
**For guidance around alcohol recommendations and limitations visit https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/diet-and-exercise/limit-alcohol
