Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week 2016

A recent consumer survey revealed that most people want to be screened for oral cancer during health appointments, but few actually had access to the screenings.

April is designated as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, serving to raise awareness for a disease that will affect approximately 48,250 people in the United States this year. Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week occurs April 10–16, 2016. Awareness of the risk factors for oral and pharyngeal cancer is low, and it is our duty to try to raise awareness of prevention and early detection.

A consumer survey led by Vigilant Biosciences, in partnership with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, and Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, discloses that oral cancer screening, education, and prevention among US adults is severely lacking. (1, 2, 3, 4) According to the survey, most US adults (58%) are unaware of prevention and risk factors for oral cancer, and 37% stated that they screened for oral cancer at their last dental check-up. (1) The survey was conducted online and surveyed 523 US consumers ages 35–75. The questions focused on their awareness and preferences around oral cancer and oral cancer screening. (1) The results showed that education about this issue is sorely needed.

The survey stated that 86% of those polled desired to learn more about prevention and reducing their risk for oral cancer. The respondents were in favor of screening devices, used in the dental office or at home, that test for early indicators of oral cancer. We know that HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is on the rise, and that prevention and early detection and intervention can save lives.

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An article published in Cancer Prevention Research reported the results of a study that confirmed the association of salivary CD44 and total protein levels with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The researchers also established that a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive device may help identify individuals who are developing oral cancer, at an early, treatable stage. A white paper entitled “Improving Early Detection of Oral Cancer with Salivary Diagnostics”is available. The white paper discusses the OncAlert Oral Cancer System, a rapid point-of-care risk assessment test. The test is an oral rinse, which the patient spits into a cup; a test device is inserted into the sample of the rinse. The test device is read by the healthcare professional in a few minutes.

Another tool available for in-office use is Goccles, a simple, noninvasive, and painless test of the oral cavity for the early screening of oral cancer and other precancerous lesions. It works with common curing lights readily available in dental offices. There is a special optical filter in the device that allows an autofluorescence examination. You can download a scientific guide, scientific literature, and view a scientific presentation with audio comment.

Perform an oral cancer examination and use the tools you deem appropriate. Remember, early diagnosis of oral cancer results in a cure rate of up to 90%. (1)

References
1. National Oral Cancer Awareness Survey Reveals 83 Percent of Adults Want to be Screened for Oral Cancer During Routine Check-ups; Only 37 Actually Are. PR Newswire. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-oral-cancer-awareness-survey-reveals-83-percent-of-adults-want-to-be-screened-for-oral-cancer-during-routine-check-ups-only-37-percent-actually-are-300245773.html. Published April 5, 2016. Accessed April 13, 2016.
2. Home page. Vigilant Biosciences website. http://vigilantbiosciences.com/. Accessed April 13, 2016.
3. Home page. Home and Neck Cancer Alliance website. http://www.headandneck.org/. Accessed April 13, 2016.
4. Home page. Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer website. https://www.spohnc.org/. Accessed April 13, 2016.