Why Oral Cancer Screening is Important for Early Detection

Oral cancer examination is not just another item on your dental checklist—it’s a potentially life-saving measure.

While you might associate dental visits with cavity checks and cleanings, screening for oral cancer is just as crucial.

The examination lasts a short time without causing discomfort and helps uncover warning signs of conditions that become noticeable late during their progression.

No one likes to think about cancer, but awareness and early action can make all the difference—an early diagnosis of oral cancer results in much better treatment outcomes.

Your routine dental care needs to include oral cancer screening as we discuss the benefits of this assessment.

Understanding Oral Cancer: More Common Than You Think

Cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and roof or floor of the mouth are all considered forms of oral cancer. While it’s not as widely discussed as other forms of cancer, it is more common than you might realise.

Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with it, and unfortunately, many cases are detected too late.

Unlike a toothache or gum disease, oral cancer doesn’t always cause pain or apparent symptoms in the early stages. That’s why regular screenings are so important—you may not notice anything unusual, but your dentist is trained to spot subtle warning signs before they become serious problems.

Who is at Risk?

Any person can develop oral cancer, yet specific risk factors tend to elevate your likelihood of getting the disease.

You might be more susceptible if you:

• Use tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.
• Drink alcohol frequently and in large amounts.
• Have prolonged exposure to the sun (which increases the risk of lip cancer).
• Have a history of human papillomavirus (HPV), a known risk factor for throat cancer.
• Have a family history of oral or other cancers.
• Are over 40, though cases among younger individuals are rising.

Even if you don’t check off any of these risk factors, oral cancer can still occur. That’s why screenings are essential for everyone—not just those in high-risk categories.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

If you’ve never had an oral cancer examination, you might wonder what to expect. The good news is that it’s a straightforward and painless process that takes only a few minutes.

During the exam, your dentist will:

• Visually inspect your mouth – Your dentist will look for sores, red or white patches, or any unusual lumps in your mouth, tongue, or lips.
• Feel for abnormalities—Your dentist can check for unusual lumps or swelling by gently touching areas inside your mouth and along your jawline.
• Examine your throat and neck – Since oral cancer can spread, your dentist will also check for any lumps in your neck or throat.

You may be referred for further testing, such as a biopsy, if anything suspicious is found. But remember, an unusual spot or lump doesn’t automatically mean cancer—early detection means early investigation, which can lead to early treatment if necessary.

The Power of Early Detection

The biggest advantage of regular oral cancer screenings is that they catch problems before they escalate. When detected early, oral cancer has an 80-90% survival rate, according to cancer research statistics.

However, when discovered late, the survival rate drops significantly.

By incorporating oral cancer screenings into your routine dental check-ups, you’re taking a proactive step toward protecting your health. It’s a small effort that can have a massive impact.

Prevention: What You Can Do

Early detection through screenings remains important, but you should also learn specific activities that lessen your odds of developing oral cancer.

• Avoid tobacco in all forms. Smoking tobacco, along with chewing tobacco, leads to many instances of oral cancer formation.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Your risk of oral cancer becomes stronger when you consume heavy amounts of alcohol along with using tobacco.
• Practice sun safety. Use lip balm with SPF and limit sun exposure to protect against lip cancer.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits help keep your mouth healthy and alert you to changes.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating many fruits and vegetables strengthens your immune system and prevents cancer development.
• Get vaccinated for HPV. This can help protect against HPV-related oral cancers.
• Check your mouth regularly. A dentist should examine visible sores or lumps combined with changes in your mouth without delay.

Oral Cancer Examination in Campbelltown

It’s easy to overlook something as simple as an oral cancer screening, especially when life gets busy. But just like you schedule check-ups for your overall health, your oral health deserves the same attention.

A quick, painless examination could be the key to catching something early and protecting yourself from a more serious diagnosis later.

Next time you visit your Campbelltown dentist, ask about an oral cancer screening. It’s a small step that could make a massive difference in your health.

Book an appointment today—because your health is worth it.

At Marketfair Dental Care, we treat all our patients like family and implement the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions.

Contact us at (02) 4620 0800 or visit Marketfair Campbelltown Shop 21B, 4 Tindall St in Campbelltown.