Oral Cancer Screening in Millwoods, Southeast Edmonton
Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by your dentist to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth.
The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure. As part of our comprehensive oral exam and treatment, at Agape Dental Clinic Mill Woods, we offer oral cancer screening for our patients.
Oral cancer is prevalent, yet preventable. Three people die from oral cancer everyday in Canada – making the five-year survival rate of oral cancer lower than the survival rates of breast, cervical and prostate cancer. However, the potential for death is significantly reduced if cancer is detected early, making treatment easier, less invasive and more than 90% curable.
An oral cancer check is the best way to monitor your oral health. An oral cancer check is simple, painless and only takes a few minutes. During your exam, we check your mouth for unusual tissue, including sores, lumps, and white or grey patches. If x-rays are taken, the images are also examined for signs of tumours or unusual growths. Further testing–for example, a biopsy–may be required if an abnormal area is found.
Just as a yearly physical is an essential part of your health care, a yearly oral cancer check is essential for providing early detection. It is recommended that Canadians be checked for oral cancer on a yearly basis and even more regularly for high risk patients
