Oral Screening Report

Oral Screening Report
Introduction
Head and neck cancer is a term used to
describe a group of cancers that affect the
throat, sinuses, larynx and mouth and
surrounding areas. Oral screening involves an
examination of the neck, mouth and
oropharynx, including the base of the tongue
and soft palate. The dentist checks for
abnormalities including red or white patches,
lumps or unusual growths. If the dentist
observes any of these, they can refer the
patient for biopsies or additional tests.
The Problem
There are currently no formal screening
programmes in the UK for mouth or
oropharyngeal cancers, however, it is
recommended that patients over the age of
18+ visit their dentist at least once a year and
have an oral screening as part of their regular
dental appointment. In the UK, access to
dental care is very poor due to the high cost
and low number of NHS dentists. This means
that there is less opportunity for head and
neck cancers to be detected early and
therefore worsens the prognosis of this
disease.
148
People screened over
two days
Impact Snapshot
2 in 5
People reported having one
of the symptoms of head and
neck cancer
26
People referred for
further investigation
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all of the volunteers who participated in the oral screening and gave permission for their data to be used.
Dentists: Rabab Ahmed, Aikaterina Bopota and Maya Patel
Report by Eleanor McFarlane on behalf of The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group.

Oral Screening Report
Methodology
Methodology
148 volunteers were screened across two days at the Oncology Care Conference 2023 in
London using the OralID device (Forward Science). This device aids visualisation of
abnormalities of the oral mucosal such as cancer and pre-cancer by using fluorescence
technology. The blue light is at a wavelength of 435–460 nm, allowing it to fluoresce green
when shining on healthy tissue. When shining on abnormal tissue, the abnormality appears
dark blue due to to a lack of fluorescent activity. This allows the clinician to observe
abnormalities that may have otherwise been missed.
Symptoms and risk factors for disease
Prior to examination, volunteers were asked to complete a survey to identify their risk of oral
cancers and whether they are experiencing any symptoms. This asked about their demographic
(male or female); lifestyle choices such as whether the patient smoked, drank alcohol, or used
chewing tobacco, Supari or Paan; and whether they experienced any symptoms of head and
neck cancers or had a family history of these diseases. The survey also asked patients to input
when they had last visited their GP and dentist and whether they attend regular visits to these
healthcare professionals.
Report of Day 1 Findings
The morning of Day 2 of the conference saw The Swallows CEO, Chris
Curtis, give a presentation entitled 'Oral screening in the fight against
Head and Neck Cancer'. During this presentation, the statistics from the
Day 1 activities of oral screening were presented and the audience was
encouraged to go and be screened themselves.

Results and Findings
Demographics
Despite the fact that head and neck cancers disproportionately
1
affect males (71% cases male, 29% cases female ), only 18% of
people who volunteered themselves for an oral screening
were male.
Male
18%
Further research into whether this reluctance to come forward
for screenings is observed in dentists and across the general
public is important as it will inform awareness campaigns. The
male demographic should be targeted in campaigns
encouraging people to get oral cancer screenings due to the
disproportionate effects of this disease based on sex.
Female
82%
Symptoms
Prior to the screening, 2 in 5 people reported to be experiencing one of the listed symptoms.
Lump in the
neck
4%
Bleeding (mouth,
nose, ear)
7%
Risk Factors
Paan, Supari and CHewing Tobacco
Just one volunteer said that
they had tried Paan and Supari
(less than 1% of volunteers)
Change in VOice
(hoarseness)
Tooth or Gum
Problems
Ear ache or
sore throat
Sore or Ulcer in
the mouth
Red or white patch in
the mouth
3% 18% 7% 7%
2%
The survey that volunteers took before their screening also asked about their lifestyle habits
and family history of disease which are risk factors for head and neck cancers. 8% of people
said they had a family history of head and neck cancers (including oral cancer).
Answered Yes
Answered No
Ye
Regularly attend a
GP
SMoking Alcohol Regularly attend a
dentist
Despite 70% of people saying they regularly attended a dentist, only 52% of people reported
visiting their dentist in the last year.
1. cancerresearchuk.org

Results and Findings
(continued)
26
These
people were referred to the NHS/dentist/GP for further investigation based on the
results of their screening
all have the potential to be cases of oral cancers. Early diagnosis is crucial
for head and neck cancers, including oral cancers and so oral screening saves
lives.
Case Study 1
On day 2 of the conference, a female
reporting having a lump in her neck and
ulcers in her mouth, volunteered for an oral
screening. Upon examination, the dentists
made an NHS referral for further
investigation. She reported none of the risk
factors for head and neck cancer in the
survey and had last visited her dentist 6
months prior.
Example picture (not actual pateint data)
Dentists' Comments
Lump in the left neck - Post vascular region (non tender & non mobile). Advised referral to
GP for a hospital Ultrasound scan and investigation
Case Study 2
On day 1 of the conference, a female reporting having no symptoms
was found by the dentists to have a traumatic lesion on the left side of
her mouth. When asked, she said that this lesion will not go away and
was therefore referred to her GP for further investigation.
Reflections
In the UK, access to dental services is limited which prevents early recognition
and diagnosis of head and neck cancers, particularly oral cancers. 148 people
participated in a free oral screening service and 26 of those people were referred
for further investigation which could be life saving.
info@theswallows.org.uk
www.theswallows.org.uk