Most dentists routinely screen patients for oral cancer, but how many talk to patients about what they're doing and why it's so important? The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity, set up by Chris Curtis, himself a pharyngeal cancer survivor, recently supported a Health Mela in Preston. The aim of the event was to empower communities to improve their health and well-being and Chris believes it imperative that oral health is included within any advice given about general health.

Accompanying him at that event was Nichola Jayne Tong (pictured), a hygienist who screened visitors using Goccles. Many had not even heard of oral cancer or what they could do to minimise the risk. Commenting on the day, Nichola said, 'Thankfully I did not detect any suspect lesions, but have over the years met many people who have experienced this disease. Their experiences are horrific and their faces literally bear the scars of their suffering. Sadly, oral cancer is often caught in the late stages, which is why mortality rates are higher. If caught early, the survival rate is over 85% when cancers are small'.

Goccles allow clinicians to run a simple, non-invasive and painless test using the technology of fluorescence and cell-tissue autofluorescence by utilising the wavelengths emitted by curing-lights, a common piece of equipment in all dental practices. This adds another layer of screening to help identify potential anomalies of the oral cavity. The basic principle is that the auto-fluorescence of abnormal cells lining the mouth when exposed to light, differs to that seen occurring in normal cells. They are distributed exclusively through Dental Sky. For more information visit https://www.dentalsky.com/goccles-oral-cancer-screening-glasses.html.

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