Oral cancer screening and prevention resources
The Central East Regional Cancer Program’s screening and prevention team is dedicated to improving cancer screening participation and providing awareness about cancer prevention strategies.
As a dentist, you can help by sharing cancer prevention information, specifically as it relates to oropharyngeal cancers. Oropharyngeal cancers have traditionally been caused by tobacco and alcohol, but recent studies show about 25-35% of cancers of the oropharynx may be linked to human papillomavirus (HPV).
You can play a key role in preventing HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers by:
- Raising awareness
- Educating and offering counselling to patients
- Promoting evidence-based preventive and diagnostic interventions
For more information, we invite you to read the following resources:
- Report from the Office of the Chief Dental Officer of Canada: Human papillomavirus and oral health
- RCDSO News: Be on the lookout for oral cancer
- PEAK article: HPV 101: What dentists should know
If you have questions or are interested in receiving practice-relevant cancer screening information to distribute to your patients, email centraleast.csp@lh.ca.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to patient care.