Collingwood Community Dentist
Oral Cancer Screening in Vancouver
Early Detection Starts With A Closer Look
Oral cancer can be hard to detect on your own — and when caught late, it can be difficult to treat. That’s why we include a quick oral cancer screening as part of every routine dental exam. It takes just a minute or two, but it can make a big difference.
These screenings are painless, non-invasive, and involve a simple visual check of your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. In some cases, we may use a light-based tool like VELscope to help spot areas that aren’t visible under regular light.
What We’re Looking For
Persistent sores or ulcers
Red or white patches
Lumps, swelling, or hard spots
Changes in tissue texture
Symptoms you may have noticed, like numbness or difficulty swallowing
If we see something that needs a closer look, we will explain what we’re seeing and discuss next steps — which might include monitoring or referral to a specialist for further evaluation.
Who Should Be Screened?
Everyone. Oral cancer affects people of all backgrounds — and early signs often appear without pain or obvious symptoms. That said, risk factors include:
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
HPV
Prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer)
Age 40+
Whether or not these apply to you, we include this screening with every exam because early detection matters.
Why It’s Included
We believe preventive care is more than just cleanings and x-rays. By building oral cancer screenings into our routine visits, we help protect your long-term health in ways that go beyond your teeth and gums.
Ready To Book Your Next Exam?
If it’s been a while since your last checkup, now’s a good time to come in.
A simple screening could give you peace of mind — or catch something important early.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Contact Us To Schedule Your Appointment Today
Whether you are new to the area or looking for a more personal approach to dental care, we would love to meet you. Let us build something lasting, together.