#IGOTSCREENED Campaign
APRIL ORAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, 2024
INDIA BEATS CANCER
FREE ORAL CANCER SCREENING CAMP
April is ORAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH and Asian Head Neck Cancer Foundation would like to invite you to join us in our 30 Days from 1st APRIL to 30th APRIL FREE Oral Cancer Screening campaign to combat oral cancer!!!
India approximately continues to report the highest prevalence of oral cancers globally with 75,000 to 80,000 new cases reported every year. Most of this type of cancer can be attributed to the use of chewing tobacco, considering more Indians chew tobacco than smoke it. Reports suggest that over 5 people in India die every hour every day because of oral cancer. The cancer of the oropharynx and hypopharynx contributes to the same mortality rate.
Aim:
Empowering individuals to take charge of their oral health by providing accessible screenings, raising awareness, and promoting early detection through the IGOTSCREENED Campaign.
OBJECTIVES OF CAMPAIGN, “SCREEN TO SAVE”
- Lesions diagnosed at the pre-malignant stage can help prevent cancer.
- To raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of oral cancer amongst a target population
- To detect oral cancer in the earliest stage
- To aware people regarding the ill effects of tobacco, smoking & alcohol intake.
Importance of Timely Oral Cancer Screening
Timely oral cancer screening is crucial for several reasons:
- Early detection enables early intervention, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase the likelihood of successful recovery.
- Oral cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings essential for detecting abnormalities that may indicate cancerous or precancerous lesions.
- Risk factors such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, underscoring the importance of regular screenings for individuals with such habits.
- By detecting oral cancer early, individuals have more treatment options available to them, including less invasive procedures and a higher likelihood of preserving oral function and appearance.
How it is beneficial to society?
- Early Detection of Cancer is always less morbid to the patient.
- Lesion diagnosed at a pre malignant stage are completely reversible and can be rehabilitated completely.
- The treatment of early stage cancer is less expensive as compared to that of the advanced stage.
- Being Dental Professionals it is our prime concern to spread awareness towards Oral cancer in society.
How it is beneficial to the Dental Professionals?
- This is first and foremost a wonderful opportunity to provide a potentially life-saving service to the public through Free Oral Cancer Screening.
- Asian Head Neck Cancer Foundation will provide an established platform to promote your work and to publicize you nationwide.
- This will Benefit Dental Professionals ‘ practice by enhancing their walk in OPDs.
- This will let the patients know that yours practice is truly cares about health of the society.
- Free membership of Asian Head Neck Cancer Foundation for one year
- We will provide 24*7 Telemedicine consultation from cancer expert Team
How to participate in the campaign?
- Campaign has to be publicized through social media platforms by our posts
- Photos, videos (if any) and relevant records of the patients screened during the camp to be submitted to Asian Head Neck Cancer Foundation.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for IGOTSCREENED Campaign
1. Introduction:
The IGOTSCREENED Campaign aims to raise awareness about oral cancer, promote early detection through screenings, and provide accessible services to individuals in need. This SOP outlines the procedures to be followed during the campaign, including patient registration, oral cancer screening, and documentation.
2. Patient Registration:
- Upon arrival at the screening venue, greet the patient warmly and explain the purpose and process of the IGOTSCREENED Campaign.
- Provide the patient with a Google Form link or a physical form to enter their personal details, including name, age, contact information, medical history (if any), and any relevant risk factors such as tobacco or alcohol use.
- Ensure that the patient understands the importance of providing accurate information for effective screening and follow-up.
3. Oral Cancer Screening:
- Escort the patient to the designated screening area where a trained dental professional will conduct the oral cancer screening.
- The dental professional will perform a thorough examination of the patient’s oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, palate, and throat, using appropriate tools and techniques.
- During the screening, the dental professional will inspect for any suspicious lesions, abnormalities, or signs of oral cancer, such as red or white patches, ulcers, lumps, or persistent sores.
- If any suspicious findings are observed during the screening, the dental professional will note them down for further evaluation and potential referral for diagnostic tests or specialist consultation.
4. Documentation:
- While conducting the oral cancer screening, the dental professional will document the findings, including any suspicious lesions or abnormalities, in the patient’s record.
- In addition to written documentation, the dental professional will take clear and accurate photographs of any suspicious lesions using a designated camera or smartphone.
- Ensure that the patient’s privacy and confidentiality are maintained throughout the documentation process, and obtain consent from the patient before taking any photographs.
5. Patient Photograph:
- After completing the oral cancer screening and documentation, take a full-face photograph of the patient for record-keeping and promotional purposes.
- Ensure that the patient is comfortable and informed about the purpose of the photograph, and obtain their consent before proceeding.
- Store the patient’s photograph securely in compliance with data protection regulations, and only use it for authorized purposes related to the IGOTSCREENED Campaign.