Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings, New South Wales
With cancer rates climbing worldwide, it is more important than ever to have screening processes that identify early signs of the disease. Oral cancer is becoming increasingly common and is associated with a high mortality rate due to delays in diagnosis. At Northern Beaches Dental, we believe that the best strategy to fight oral cancer is to visit your dentist for a screening that could identify early oral cancer stages.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is an assessment conducted to find precancerous cells that may be present in a person’s body. The test is typically conducted by experienced dental professionals who are trained to find any anomalies that may be present.
Types of Oral Cancer
There are different types of oral cancer, which can make the condition challenging to spot. The common types of oral cancer are:
● Cancer of the lips which is primarily caused by exposure to UV radiation
● Throat cancer
● Cancer of the gums
● Cancer of the tongue
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Oral cancer symptoms include but are not limited to:
● Sores on the lip or inside the mouth that do not heal
● White or red patches inside the mouth
● Wobbly teeth
● Persistent pain in the ear or mouth
● Growth or lump inside the mouth
The Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
The benefits of oral cancer screening are:
Detect Cancer Early
Screening allows dentists to spot early oral cancer stages and begin oral cancer treatment immediately. An early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of making a full recovery.
Risk Levels
A screening can help dental professionals identify a patient’s risk factors, which could suggest lifestyle changes that may reduce the chances of developing cancer.
Although a screening may conclude that you are cancer-free, your dentist will take this opportunity to discuss the ways in which you could prevent cancer.
Do I Need Oral Cancer Screening?
Although everyone should go in for an oral cancer screening from time to time, there are certain groups of people who are more likely to benefit from the procedure. Smokers and tobacco users are at much greater risk of developing oral cancer and must visit the dentist for a screening. An individual with a previous cancer diagnosis or a genetic history of cancer may want to create a yearly schedule for oral cancer screening, just to rule it out. Alcoholics, heavy drinkers and patients with STIs are also at higher risk of oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Screening Services in New South Wales
Oral cancer is one of the leading types of cancer worldwide. Although it is treatable, it has a high mortality rate due to a lack of proper diagnosis. Contact Northern Beaches Dental for more information on oral cancer screening services that spot early signs of oral cancer and greatly improve your chances of successful oral cancer treatment.