If you’ve been keeping an eye on our Instagram page this month, you may already know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month in Canada. Here at Dental Image Therapy Centres, we like to take the opportunity to not only observe Oral Cancer Awareness Month, but to raise awareness and educate Manitobans about oral cancer and its close relative, oropharyngeal cancer.  

While affecting interconnected areas of the body, oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer are not the same. Oral cancer refers to cancer that specifically affects the mouth and tongue while oropharyngeal cancer refers to cancer that starts in the tissue of the oropharynx – the part of your throat directly behind the mouth.  

Increasing rates of oral and oropharyngeal cancer are a significant cause of concern. Research indicates a nearly 75% increase in diagnoses per year from 1994 to 2021. In 2026, Manitobans are more likely to be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer than either uterine or cervical cancer.  

As is the case with all cancer, the earlier it’s detected and treatment is begun, the more positive the outcomes. If caught early, both oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer respond well to treatment, with 5-year survival rates for tongue cancer in the United States sitting at over 70% for stage 1 disease, declining to under 40% for a late-stage diagnosis. These statistics drive home the importance of early screening, detection and treatment.  

While at-risk patients are regularly evaluated for oral cancer at their regular checkups, at-home screening can be of significant benefit. Early warning signs of oral cancer to watch out for, as described by the Canadian Cancer Society, include:

• White, grey or red patches on the lips or in the mouth

• A lump or growth on the lips, mouth or tongue

• Thickening of the inner cheek lining or swollen salivary glands

• Mouth bleeding or loose teeth

• Persistent earache

• Suddenly ill-fitting dentures

• Slurred speech

• Painful, swollen jaw or lymph nodes in the neck

• Numbness in the tongue or lips

• Voice changes or pain when swallowing

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, don’t wait – contact us immediately for evaluation. Booking an appointment is simple, all you need to do is use the orange “Book Online” button to schedule your next visit.