General Dentistry›Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Cancer
Screening
At a Glance
5–10 minutes
Duration
Every check-up
Included With
None required
Anaesthesia
None
Recovery
Oral cancer is among the most serious conditions we screen for in dentistry — and one of the most treatable when detected early. At Keheewin Family Dental, we include a thorough oral cancer screening as part of every routine appointment, at no additional cost.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to malignancies that develop in any of the tissues of the mouth and throat, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Like all cancers, it is most successfully treated when identified at the earliest possible stage.
Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, human papillomavirus (HPV), and a history of oral cancer. However, oral cancer can develop in patients with none of these risk factors — which is why routine screening is important for everyone.
- Affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, floor of the mouth, and throat
- Can occur in patients with no traditional risk factors
- Most common in adults over 40, though increasingly seen in younger patients
- Survival rates are significantly higher with early detection
Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters
The five-year survival rate for oral cancer detected at an early, localized stage is approximately 84%. When diagnosed at a late stage, that figure drops dramatically. Regular screenings give us the opportunity to detect changes before they become serious.
Many of the earliest signs of oral cancer are painless and easily missed without a trained eye. That's why a professional examination — even when you feel completely fine — is so important.
Oral cancer claims more lives annually than cervical cancer. Early detection through routine screening is the single most effective way to improve outcomes.
What Happens During a Screening?
The screening is completely painless and takes only a few minutes as part of your regular check-up. There is nothing to prepare and no recovery time involved.
- Visual inspection of all oral tissues — lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and gums
- Gentle palpation of the neck and jaw to detect swollen lymph nodes or unusual lumps
- Use of specialized lighting or screening tools when indicated
- Discussion of any findings and recommended follow-up if needed
Benefits of Regular Screening
Including an oral cancer screening at every check-up is a simple, painless step that could make a life-changing difference. It costs you nothing extra and takes only minutes.
- Early detection dramatically improves treatment success rates
- Completely painless — no needles or special preparation
- Takes only 5–10 minutes as part of your check-up
- Provides reassurance and peace of mind
- Included at no additional charge with every routine appointment
Ready to
Get Started?
Book your appointment at Keheewin Family Dental today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
