Oral cancer and COVID-19
Source: dentistry.co.uk Author: Seb Evans The Dental Defence Society explain how COVID-19 has impacted the detection of oral cancer and what dental teams should do to improve outcomes. Referrals for oral cancer have fallen dramatically since the start of the pandemic. This is raising fears that many cases have gone undiagnosed because of disruption to routine dental care. Missed opportunities for early detection mean it is likely that thousands of patients will eventually present with late-stage disease and poor prognosis. They will also require aggressive and complex treatments that diminish their quality of life. As well as adding to the burden on the healthcare system. Now more than ever, dental teams must prioritise the prevention, early detection and rapid referral of oral cancer. They will play a vital role in mitigating the ongoing impact of the pandemic on outcomes for this cancer through performing examinations at every opportunity, recognising when a patient presents with signs and symptoms, and raising awareness. Increasing burden of oral cancer in the UK The most recent figures on mouth cancer in the UK align with the global trend. They shows an alarming rise in incidence and mortality. The State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2020/21 reports that last year 8,722 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer. And an estimated 2,702 people died from the disease. That’s up 58% and 48%, respectively, from a decade ago. Early detection and rapid referral for treatment makes a huge difference for patients with oral cancer. It boosts survival from [...]