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Oral cancer screening

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Approximately 3 Australians are diagnosed with oral cancer every day [2] and over 600 die from it every year [1].

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Oral cancer is a condition that very few people are aware of and as a result it is often not detected until it is too late.

HEALTHY MOUTH & GUMS
  • Oral cancer usually starts in the cells lining the mouth, lips, tongue or floor of the mouth; it can also occur on the palate, gums and cheeks.

  • It is not generally screened for routinely so discovery is generally in late stages – there is no screening program in place as for cervical or breast cancer.

  • Three Australians are diagnosed with oral cancer every day. [2]

  • The death rate is higher for oral cancer than other cancers due to late detection [3]

  • Only 51% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer are still living after 5 years [4]

 

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

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A persistent mass, ulcer or blood blister that doesn’t heal, impaired tongue mobility, swollen lymph glands. There is often no obvious pain.

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The risk factors of oral cancer include:

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  • Smoking (smokers are six times more at risk than non smokers)

  • Drinking alcohol (heavy drinking)

  • An increased exposure to the sun of your lips

  • A poor diet

  • The human papilloma virus.

To help avoid late detection of this disease, you should have regular checkups by a dentist or hygienist who is aware of the symptoms and includes oral cancer in their checkups.

At Lotus Dental

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At Lotus Dental we routinely carry out oral cancer screening as part of your regular check up and preventative care.

1. “Rates of Oral Cancer Increasing” – Australian Dental Association Inc, 2012

2. Australian Dentist Association 2017 article

3. “Detecting Oral Cancer – Oral Care Facts” – Miller Hare

4. “Cancer” – Colgate Dental Programs – University of Adelaide.  A joint program by Colgate Oral Care and The University of Adelaide

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