We hear from Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK (HNCUK) which offers up its resources to dental professionals and explains why we need better awareness of the disease.
Dentists play a crucial role in the early detection of head and neck cancers. The statistic that approximately 50% of head and neck cancers are first identified by dentists is often cited in health literature.
Organisations such as Cancer Research UK, the British Dental Association (BDA) and Public Health England highlight the essential role dentists play in the early detection of oral cancers, which form part of the broader category of head and neck cancers.
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK supports patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers. It also invests in pioneering research and raises awareness of signs and symptoms.
The charity recognises the role of dentists in diagnosing head and neck cancer and has produced a range of resources available to dental practices. The idea is that the resources are displayed in waiting areas and around reception desks to encourage patient engagement with self-checking for head and neck cancer. The literature can also be used to remind dentists what to look out for and discuss any concerns with patients.
Resources for all
Resources available include videos and printouts. Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK offers a general leaflet that provides a step-by-step self-check. The A4, double-sided, full-colour leaflet covers what to look out for. The two-minute check can save lives and all you need is a mirror, light and clean hands.
Some dentists may already carry out this check as part of routine appointments. Key things to watch out for include swelling, lumps, red or white patches, colour changes or ulcers.
On the reverse side, it includes information about risks, symptoms, and where to seek further support. This is the charity’s primary resource. Dental practices are being encouraged to use the leaflets to promote self-checks among their patients. The leaflet is available to dental practices for free at present and can be printed in a variety of different shapes and sized.
A self-check video is also available to practices and can be shown on display screens in waiting rooms. The video shows a man walking through the self-check procedure and a narrator tells the watcher what to look out for. The resource is free of charge and walks through the self-check steps.
Every day 34 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancers in the UK. Patient numbers are increasing by 30% per decade. Only a third of head and neck cancer cases are detected at stage one or two.
Currently head and neck cancers are the fourth most common cancer in men and seventh overall.
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK welcome any feedback on the resources. Queries, feedback and leaflet requests can be sent to [email protected].
