BC Residents to Benefit from Free Oral Cancer Screening

CBC News reported that in the coming weeks London Drugs Ltd. will be offering free oral cancer screenings at six locations in British Columbia. The move is a bid to raise awareness about the benefits of early detection and treatment.

As quoted in the market news:

Oral health specialist Dr. Samson Ng, who helped design the screening, says the general comprehensive oral assessment will show patients whether they should seek treatment.

Ng says people most at risk are chronic smokers, drinkers, and those who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke. The risk of oral cancer is about five to 10 times greater among smokers than non-smokers.

As part of the screening, a dental professional uses the VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System handheld scope, technology developed by researchers at the BC Cancer Agency, to help detect for oral tissue abnormalities.

Dr. Ng commented:

This is the first time we are working with colleagues outside the dental field to find ways to combat the minimally known but deadly, oral cancer.

Click here to read the full CBC News report.