Screening Test for Oral Cancer

We get it, cancer isn’t exactly dinner table conversation. But here’s the thing, it can be serious and more than 8,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year. So, the sooner you catch it, the better the outcome – so why not get checked?

Why bother with oral cancer screening?

• Early detection saves lives – We know that the earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat., so don’t wait longer than you need to.
• Quick & painless – This isn’t an intrusive procedure, it’s just a gentle check-up to check everything is as it should be. 
• Stay ahead of the game – Having regular check-ups with us means no nasty surprises, and anything that doesn’t look quite right can be investigated straight away. 
• Know your risks – Smoking, drinking, and even too much sun can up your chances, but knowledge is power, so start to familarise yourself with the risk factors. 

What happens during oral cancer screening?

Just relax, you don’t need to brace yourself for anything scary. Our screenings are fast, easy, and totally painless. Here’s what you can expect:

• We take a good look around – We’ll check your mouth, gums, tongue, and throat for anything unusual.
• A quick feel – A gentle touch around your neck and jaw to check for any lumps or bumps.
• Extra tech (only if required) – Sometimes, we use special lights or dyes to help highlight anything suspicious.

If we spot something worth checking out further, we’ll chat with you about the next steps. No pressure, no panic – just sensible, proactive care.

Who should get mouth cancer screening?

That’s easy – everyone! Oral cancer doesn’t pick favourites, but that doesn’t mean that some aren’t more at risk than others. If you tick any of these boxes, it would be sensible to get yourself booked in for a quick check up. 

• You smoke or use tobacco that includes vapes and chewing tobacco)
• You drink excessively (excessive alcohol can up your risk)
• You’ve been exposed to HPV
• You’ve got a family history of cancer
• You love the sun but forget the SPF lip balm

Even if none of these apply, getting checked is always a sensible choice. 

Signs we look out for during a screening test for oral cancer

It can start with tiny, easy-to-miss changes, so it is important that you keep an eye on and let us know if you have experienced anything listed below. We’ll keep note of all the details from your last check, so we keep track of any changes or new symptoms too. 

• Sores that won’t heal
• Unusual lumps or thickened areas
• Red or white patches that weren’t there before
• Trouble swallowing or a persistent sore throat
• Numbness in your lips or mouth
• Loose teeth for no good reason

Noticed anything weird? Don’t stress, just book in and we’ll take a look and give you advice on next steps. 

What happens after your oral cancer screening? 

Good news! Most screenings end with nothing to worry about, and if we don’t find anything unusual, we’ll just book you in for your next routine check-up for approximately 6 months. 

If we do spot something, don’t panic. Many oral changes are harmless, and we’ll talk you through the next steps, whether that’s monitoring the area or referring you for a closer look.

Why choose Smile Stories?

We’re not your average dental clinic, because here at Smile Stories, we believe looking after your health should be stress-free and easy. Here’s what makes us different:

• We only use cutting-edge tech – We use the latest tools to catch anything suspicious early.
• Zero awkwardness – We get it, cancer isn’t a fun topic, but we promise to make it as comfortable as possible.
• We keep it simple and easy – No scary jargon, no unnecessary procedures, just straightforward care.
• All-in-one care – From check-ups to advanced treatments, we’ve got you covered.

We take oral cancer seriously, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make your visit pleasant!

Reach out to Smile Stories today to get started. We’re all about keeping you healthy, happy, and full of confidence, so let’s look after that smile together!