PEACE OF MIND
At Oakmead, our routine dental health examinations include
a thorough visual and manual check for signs of oral cancer. We feel that this is very
important since a recent paper in the British Dental Journal revealed an alarming lack of
public awareness towards oral cancer.
In the United Kingdom as a whole, there are about 3400 cases of oral cancer a year and
about 1600 deaths. The incidence is comparable to that of cervical cancer.
The major risk factors for oral cancer are well understood. The incidence is almost twice
as high in men as in women, and is most frequent in those over 40 years of age. At high
risk are smokers and other tobacco users, heavy consumers of alcohol, those who have had
oral, lung or throat cancer before, and those who are immunocompromised.
We have received training in the use of the OraTest oral cancer diagnostic system which is
very beneficial in screening high risk patients. The screening test involves the use of a
series of mouthrinses undertaken over two separate appointments. It is very comfortable,
simple, and increases the certainty of early oral cancer detection.
Prevention focuses on the sensible use of alcohol, the avoidance of the use of tobacco,
and the encouragement of a healthy diet with adequate fruit and vegetables.
