Dental News - Free oral cancer screenings to be offered throughout parts of Australia

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 18. June 2018

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MELBOURNE, Australia: According to the head and neck cancer statistics released by the Australian government, an estimated 4,956 new cases were diagnosed in 2017. As part of this year’s World Head and Neck Cancer Day, held annually on 27 July, the Australian Dental Health Foundation (ADHF) is joining forces with Throat Scope and the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia to offer free oral cancer screenings at select Amcal pharmacies throughout the Australian state of Victoria.

Focusing on prevention, the 10 to 15-minute screenings will be performed in 2-hour blocks by registered dental health professionals in pharmacies in Robinvale, Glen Iris, Kyneton, Bayswater and Beaconsfield.

To ensure as many people are screened as possible, the ADHF are also seeking the help of volunteers, particularly local dentists from the aforementioned areas, to donate their time to screening in 1 or more 2-hour blocks. “This is the second year the foundation has been involved in this oral screening programme. Volunteers who participated last year found their involvement to be enjoyable, enabling them to meet with fellow community members in their area and providing these worthwhile checks,” said David Owen, Chairman of the ADHF.

“When Australians think of cancer it does not immediately come to mind that cancer can occur in the mouth,” said Dr Michael Foley, Vice Chairman of the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee, in explaining the importance of the screening campaign.

People agreeing to undergo a screening will be asked to sign a comprehensive waiver, and if any abnormality or potential abnormality is detected, they will be referred for further dental or medical attention.

For more information, interested health professionals can click here.

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