When you visit Dr. Anne Fang and our team for a dental exam, we'll also examine your head, neck, and oral mucosa for anything suspicious—no extra charge!
One thing we always keep an eye out for is oral cancer, which happens when cells in your mouth, lips, tongue, or throat grow abnormally. But don't worry—if caught early, oral cancer is often successfully treated.
Anyone can get oral cancer, but those over 45 are at higher risk. So be sure to ask for an oral cancer screening if you've noticed any of these symptoms:
- Weird patches in your mouth or on your lips that are white or dark red
- Lumps or texture changes that don't seem normal
- Sores that won't go away, numb spots, or bleeding that won't quit
- Trouble with your tongue, taste, or swallowing
Your health is important to us, so we're always happy to answer any questions you have and provide the care you need.
Oral Cancer risk factors: What to know
Oral cancer can be linked to various behaviours and conditions, such as:
- Smoking or using tobacco products like cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco
- Drinking alcohol heavily or moderately, especially when combined with tobacco use
- Exposure to the sun, if you spend lots of time outdoors
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- The history of leukoplakia, which is a thick, white patch inside the mouth
- Women are at a lower overall risk of developing oral cancer than men
- Possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the mouth
Have questions about our Oral Cancer Screening service? Don't hesitate to reach out to Dr. Fang or any of our dedicated team members for more information.
Call us at 604-416-5115 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about the cost of Oral Cancer Screening at our clinic. Our dentist, Dr. Anne Fang, and her amazing staff are here to provide you with the best possible dental experience and help keep your smile healthy and bright.
