HPV Virus Linked to Increase of Oral Cancer Among Younger People and Non-smokers

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The human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease, has now been linked to Oral Cancer in young adults and non-smokers. Painless VELscope exams are being made available to combat those at risk in Vancouver BC.

Vancouver, Canada – September 3rd, 2014 /PressCable/

Oral cancer is usually not considered a threat by anyone who doesn't smoke. The fact is oral cancer is one of the least discussed cancers; and because of very low early detection rates, it is also one of the deadliest. Recent research has revealed a greater current incidence of oral cancer in younger people and among non-smokers which appears to be linked directly to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is exchanged only through body fluids, and the College of Dental Surgeons of British Colombia (BC) suggests an oral cancer scan once a year is a wise precaution for any sexually active individual. As a follow-up to their participation in last April's cancer drive of dental clinics in the Lower Mainland Area of BC, Willow Dental Care Westend of Vancouver has decided to re-offer free Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope (VELscope) examinations for oral cancer now through the end of September 2014.


Tobacco and alcohol consumption and advancing age have been considered causes of oral cancer for a long time. Now there is increasing evidence linking oral cancer to those who carry HPV among younger people. According to the BC Cancer Agency about 500 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in BC and 170 die of the disease. Because of oral cancer's history of late detection, oral cancer survival rates are lower than those for melanomas, cervical cancer or prostate cancer. This highlights the value of new techniques such as the VELscope oral cancer scan.


Over 200 people were screened for cancer during the April 2014 drive. Seven of those were found to have abnormal tissue and were sent for biopsies. Research has shown a substantial percentage of oral cancers in BC are diagnosed at very late stages. Early diagnosis can make a huge difference in the recovery rate. The early signs of oral cancer are not obvious because there is no discomfort at that point, and painless VELscope examinations are able to detect many types of oral malignancies before they develop into cancer and before drastic treatment is necessary. The VELscope sends a cone of blue light into the mouth enabling dentists to look through an eyepiece and screen for changes in light color in the mouth, throat and tongue. Normal tissue shows a pale green fluorescence. Cells which are potentially tumorous or dysplastic appear dark green or black


While the VELscope has been recommended by the College of Dental Surgeons of BC, it is not yet widely used. Willow Dental Care Westend is a leader for oral cancer scanning. The practice will waive the normal $34 fee for VELscope scans scheduled before the end of September 2014.


For more information on Willow Dental Care Westend go to www.willowdentalcarewestend.com. Appointments for a free VELscope oral cancer scan may be made online or by phone at 604-200-7779. Willow Dental Care Westend is located at 1743 Robson Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, British Columbia V5G 1C9.


Contact Info:
Name: Suejee Quon
Email: info@willowdentalcarewestend.com
Organization: Willow Dental Care Westend
Website: http://willowdentalcarewestend.com/
Phone: 604-200-7779
Address: 1743 Robson Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, British Columbia V5G 1C9

Release ID: 61560