Free dental check-up scheme reveals 22 cases of mouth cancer

Twenty two people have been diagnosed with mouth cancer on foot of an initiative designed to encourage the public to avail of free dental check-ups.

The number diagnosed with oral malignancy represents approximately 0.1% of the 20,000 people who have availed of free mouth cancer examinations since they were first offered in 2010.

Dental oncologist Eleanor O’Sullivan, who carries out oral surgery at the Cork University Dental School, said there was “irrefutable evidence that early detection and treatment significantly improves the prognosis of patients with mouth, head, and neck cancer” (HNC).

“The dental profession has a major role to play in reducing the immense burden of HNC by routinely performing a thorough mouth cancer examination on all patients,” said Dr O’Sullivan.

It is hoped that this examination will soon become a standard part of any comprehensive dental and medical examination for all adults.

“Opportunistic screening” was “a cost-effective means of increasing early detection of appropriate lesions which will undoubtedly save lives”, Dr O’Sullivan said.

September is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month and September 17 is Mouth Cancer Awareness Day, when staff and students of the Cork University Dental School and Hospital and 700 dental practitioners nationwide will once again offer free mouth cancer examinations to the public.

They will also be offering advice on ways to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Those wishing to attend in the Cork Dental School can reserve an appointment on the dedicated phone line 021 490 1169, which will be available on September 11, 12, 15, 16, and 17, from 10am to 2pm.

Dr O’Sullivan, who helps organise MCAD at the Cork Dental School, said she would “strongly encourage” members of the public to avail of free mouth cancer examinations on the day, as dentists are the only primary care practitioners trained to examine the mouth in relation to cancer.

Mouth cancer warning signs include non-healing ulcers, persistent red/white patches, and a persistent lump.

More than 300 cases of cancer of the mouth (oral cavity and pharynx) are detected in Ireland each year — cancers that are easily treatable if detected early.

The MCAD examination is painless and take approximately 10 minutes.

- For more information, log onto Mouth cancer awareness