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[getting_old]

As many of you know I was diagnosed with oral cancer last year. It took me by complete surprise and I now know that my dentist and team were not checking me for possible signs. I do get checked now but from talking to friends it appears that many, like me, didn't even know oral cancer existed and weren't being checked (or even going to the dentist). Add in the pandemic and limited visits and I'm seeing a lot of the charities suggesting that people self check, so I'm posting this to spread awareness

https://thancfoundation.org/self-screening-for-oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer-in-7-steps/

[AgathaC]

Thank you very much for sending this to us all.
I have followed your story and would like to say how very much I admire your approach.  You have tackled your illness with bravery and dignity and I wish you good health in your continued recovery.
Sending you a virtual hug,
Love AgathaC xx

[CLKD]

Tnx.   Our dentist always checks.  It may not be obvious to some patients that this check is taking place, it's the 1st thing mine does: with that mirror, his gloved finger and a poking thingy to move gums around.  He lifts my tongue.

Tnx for the information.  Important that more and more become aware of the various un-seen conditions which may become cancerous.

[sheila99]

Thank you very much for sending this to us all.
I have followed your story and would like to say how very much I admire your approach.  You have tackled your illness with bravery and dignity and I wish you good health in your continued recovery.
Sending you a virtual hug,
Love AgathaC xx

I want a 'like' button.
Echo the above.

[Limpy]

As many of you know I was diagnosed with oral cancer last year. It took me by complete surprise and I now know that my dentist and team were not checking me for possible signs. I do get checked now but from talking to friends it appears that many, like me, didn't even know oral cancer existed and weren't being checked (or even going to the dentist). Add in the pandemic and limited visits and I'm seeing a lot of the charities suggesting that people self check, so I'm posting this to spread awareness

https://thancfoundation.org/self-screening-for-oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer-in-7-steps/

Thanks so much for posting that Getting_old it's really helpful.

[Kathleen]

Hello getting_old.

Thank you for the interestingly link.

My dentist  checks for oral cancer and also  goes through a checklist of questions  on my lifestyle  and likely risks of developing the disease in the future.

Take care getting_old and I hope your recovery continues to go well.

K.

[getting_old]

Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm so pleased to read that some dentists are checking, and in some cases being so proactive in asking about lifestyle etc. As CLKD says some may do the check without discussing it, but it would be good if they did mention it as it would increase awareness, and encourage people to check between visits, as most of us only see the dentist once a year.

[sheila99]

I agree it would be good if they told you, or more importantly told you if they're NOT checking. I've assumed all dentists did it as part of a dental check up. I'll ask mine next time I go, if they're not doing it we need to know so can we check ourselves.

[Ju Ju]

Thank you!

I felt I got very poor service from the NHS dentist in the last few years after being taken over by a company keen to sell you cosmetic dentistry. A check took less than 5 minutes. So once my pension started, I transferred to a private dentist, recommended by my DD. For a few pounds more, a checkup is much more thorough, including looking at the mouth tissues etc.

Thanks for reminding me! I postponed my last appointment after having side effects after having the booster.

[getting_old]

I agree it would be good if they told you, or more importantly told you if they're NOT checking. I've assumed all dentists did it as part of a dental check up. I'll ask mine next time I go, if they're not doing it we need to know so can we check ourselves.

Yes, I changed dentists about 18 months before this happened and the new one barely looked at me, but of course I didn't think anything of it because no one had told me that they should be checking. Now I have a new dentist and hygeniest and they are so much more thorough in everything they do.

[sheila99]

Now that it's too late 

[getting_old]

Now that it's too late 

 

[CLKD]

  ........... put your energy into recovery.  It should be your current dental team that takes it up with their organisation but that is unlikely. The profession doesn't like 'telling tales'!

[getting_old]

I haven't specifically told my dental team that the previous dentist didn't check, but I have said that I'm impressed by how much more thorough they are. One thing I'm not sure about is whether they are extra thorough with me because of my history, or they are like that with everyone, as I only started with them following my surgery. I'm not sure if they could do anything because it would be my word against the old dentist's, and they're unlikely to admit anything.
However I do know a couple of people who've moved to my new dentist over the last few months.  I never said anything bad about the old one, just told them how great and thorough the new one was 

[CLKD]

    my dentist has been on a tour to Africa somewhere, as part of a charity issuing dental information and care - I don't know how I feel about that considering how much monies we pay! but as DH says, he can do what he likes when on holiday.  He's taken his wife and 3 kids so mayB stuck over there for a while.

I used to dread an appt., our dentist did a psychology degree too ;-).