Dr Tami Yap on early oral cancer detection
Saturday 27 July is World Head and Neck Cancer Day. We chatted with oral medicine specialist Dr Tami Yap about the importance of the early detection of oral cancer.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day on 27 July is a reminder that early detection is vital, especially for oral cancer, a common type of head and neck cancer. We had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Tami Yap, an oral medicine specialist and fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. Dr. Yap shares her research on early detection of oral cancer and oral mucosal diseases.
Why is early detection important for head and neck cancers?
Dr. Tami Yap: The mouth may be small, but it sits next to essential structures needed for swallowing, speaking, and eating. When oral cancers go unnoticed, they can invade neighbouring areas and spread to the lymph nodes and beyond. This can make cancer removal impossible or lead to significant impacts on these vital functions. Advanced oral cancers often require additional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.
Sadly, these advanced stages are linked with poor survival rates and significant life changes for survivors. However, early-stage oral cancers, where the tumour is less than 4cm and not deep, can often be treated successfully. In Australia, over 40% of oral cancers are still diagnosed at an advanced stage. We need to bring that number down dramatically.
What role do regular dental check-ups play in early detection of oral cancers?
Dr. Tami Yap: Oral cancers are typically painless until they become quite large, which is why having your mouth's skin checked is so important. The perfect time to do this is during your routine dental check-up. Your dentist or hygienist has the right tools, training, and knowledge to spot any potentially dangerous abnormalities in your mouth.
Can you share some success stories where early detection has made a significant difference?
Dr. Tami Yap: I've met many patients who, having survived their cancer, told me their dentist was the first to notice something odd, even though they felt nothing. I've also encountered patients who noticed something unusual that didn't heal, showed it to someone out of curiosity, and were promptly referred.
Once, a newly graduated dentist referred a patient to me, saying, "I didn't know what it was, do you think it was some sort of infection?" It turned out to be a treatable cancer. The key point is that they referred the patient out of suspicion, and the patient was able to receive the necessary treatment quickly.
How can individuals reduce their risk of developing head and neck cancers?
Dr. Tami Yap: Oral cancer and precancer are more common in people over 50 and those who smoke tobacco or consume alcohol regularly. Despite this, in Australia, 1 in 4 people diagnosed with oral cancer have no significant history of smoking or alcohol consumption. This is why, even though it may not be possible to eliminate the risk of oral cancer, it is possible to avoid advanced oral cancer by having the skin inside your mouth checked regularly.
Early detection of oral cancer can save lives, turning potentially devastating outcomes into manageable conditions. Regular dental check-ups are more than just a routine—they are a critical line of defence against oral cancer. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and help spread the word about the importance of early detection this Head and Neck Cancer Day.
