Early Oral Cancer Screening in South Surrey & White Rock
Oral cancer is much easier to treat when it is found early, but the first signs are often small and easy to miss. Because we believe in catching problems early, we include a quick, gentle oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental exam. It takes just a few minutes, and gives you the reassurance of another careful check looking out for your health.
What we look for
During a screening, Dr. Hassan looks at the soft tissues of your lips, cheeks, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. She also gently feels along your jaw and neck for anything that seems unusual.
Most of what we find is completely harmless — a spot where you bite your cheek, a canker sore, or a small bony bump. Most screenings are completely normal, but checking regularly gives us the best chance to notice small changes early, when they are often easier to evaluate and manage. The real value of screening is knowing what is normal for you, so we can notice any changes over time.
We may recommend a closer look if we notice:
- Sores that don't heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches that won't go away
- Lumps or thickening in the mouth or neck
- A hoarse voice or trouble swallowing that lingers
- Numbness or ongoing pain with no clear reason
Why should you be screened?
Everyone benefits from a routine oral cancer screening, so we recommend one for every adult as part of their regular dental exam. The risk is higher for people who smoke or vape, drink heavily, have had significant sun exposure to their lips, or carry certain HPV strains. However, oral cancer can also develop in people with none of these risk factors, which is exactly why we screen everyone.
Why patients choose Power Smile
Part of every checkup
Your oral cancer screening is included as part of your regular dental exam, making prevention a routine part of your care.
Quick and comfortable
It takes just a few minutes — a careful look inside your mouth and a gentle feel of your jaw and neck. Nothing more.
Whole-body perspective
Your mouth can offer clues about your overall health. That's why we look beyond your teeth and pay attention to the health of your entire mouth and the surrounding tissues.
Clear next steps
If we notice anything unusual, we explain it calmly and talk you through the next steps, whether that means simply keeping an eye on it or referring you to a specialist. No scare tactics.
Frequently asked questions
Does the screening cost extra?+
For most patients, no. We include the screening as part of your regular exam, so there is no separate charge. If we ever suggest additional tests or a referral, we will explain any costs beforehand.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?+
No. It is simply a careful look inside your mouth and a gentle feel of your jaw and neck. There are no needles or anything invasive.
How often should I be screened?+
At your regular checkups, which for most people means about every six months. Regular screenings help us get to know what is normal for your mouth, making it easier to notice changes early.
What happens if you find something unusual?+
Most findings are harmless, and we will simply keep an eye on them. If something needs a closer look, we will explain it clearly and recommend the next step, whether that means monitoring it or referring you to a specialist. The goal is to identify any concerns early, when they are often easier to evaluate and manage.
Ready when you are.
Book your visit today — we'll get to know you, look after your whole smile, and make you feel right at home.