Download LD expands smoking cessation program with first

London Drugs expands smoking cessation program with first ever oral cancer
screening in the pharmacy
April 7, 2015 Richmond, B.C. – In a first ever move, London Drugs will be piloting an oral cancer
screening clinic in April at some of its B.C. lower mainland pharmacies. With endorsement from the BC
Oral Cancer Prevention Program (BC OCPP) and program development with world renowned UBC oral
medicine specialist, Dr. Samson Ng, if the pilot proves successful, London Drugs will expand the
program, and steward the program for others in the retail pharmacy industry.
“This is the first time we are working with colleagues outside the dental field to find ways to combat the
minimally known but deadly, oral cancer,” said Dr. Samson Ng, practicing oral medicine specialist, UBC
dental and pharmacy graduate and UBC faculty of dentistry, clinical assistant professor.
Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world with approximately three people dying of oral
cancer every day in Canada. Early detection is crucial to survival. Most oral cancers are diagnosed late
when the survival rate is poor.
The BC OCPP’s Dr. Denise Laronde says, “Our program’s primary objective is to prevent the
development of oral cancer, or to detect it at the earliest possible stage or as a pre-cancer. We are
optimistic in the potential of this new oral cancer pre-screening detection availability at London Drugs.
The program will bring much needed awareness and availability to individuals who might not regularly
visit a dental professional and to those who are more at-risk – tobacco users and tobacco users who also
drink alcohol.”
With smoking being a major cause of oral cancer, London Drugs sees the pre-cancer screening program
as a significant opportunity to target and bring awareness to tobacco users as part of its overall smoking
cessation program.
The risk of oral cancer is about 5 to 10 times greater among smokers than non-smokers. Tobacco use
increases the risk of oral cancer by exposing the mouth to carcinogenic chemicals, either during
inhalation while smoking or through direct contact while chewing tobacco products. London Drugs has the
ability to directly target its customers and tobacco users with this valuable information and opportunity for
oral screening.
The Canadian Cancer Society statistics indicate approximately 4,300 Canadians will be diagnosed with
oral cancer this year and many more will be diagnosed with dysplasia (pre-cancer). Detecting oral
abnormalities early leads to more treatment options, potentially less invasive or radical treatments and
better patient outcomes.
“The more the public is aware of oral cancer and the more opportunities for early detection is a win for
everyone - patients, dental professionals and the medical system as a whole,” said Dr. Samson Ng.
“Individuals taking preventative measures like the oral pre-cancer screening at London Drugs or your
dental professional is the best way to monitor your oral health. The screening is simple, painless and only
takes a few minutes.”
For London Drugs, the ability to further expand how they are able to impact the lives of their patients is
just another step in pharmacy’s establishment as a reliable and accessible health care provider in the
Canadian health care system.
“We continue to see pharmacy expanding its role in the health care of Canadians,” said John Tse,
London Drugs vice president. “This new oral screening availability at London Drugs will allow individuals
who might be concerned about their oral health to plan a quick and easy visit to a dental professional in
our pharmacy. The dental professional will screen for soft tissue abnormalities and examine the lymph
nodes. This is a first ever for pharmacy in Canada. We are excited about the outcome of this pilot
program, particularly the opportunity to target smokers and to provide awareness and more education
and assistance to help people quit tobacco use.”
®
The dental professional will use the VELscope Vx Enhanced Oral Assessment System handheld scope,
technology developed by researchers at the BC Cancer Agency, to help detect for oral tissue
abnormalities. The screening will aid in the early identification of lesions potentially at risk for oral precancer as well as lesions that may be signs of other mucosal diseases or systemic diseases. Patients
who enroll in the oral health screening clinic will fill out an evaluation form that asks questions about
tobacco use and other pertinent questions. Once the screening is completed, an evaluation summary will
be provided to the patient and if required, the patient will be advised to see an oral or health professional
for further assessment.
To book an appointment visit londondrugs.com/OralScreening or contact these stores in person or by
phone for clinics listed below:
April 14 - London Drugs in Kerrisdale
•
•
2091 West 42nd Avenue
604-263-1811
April 15 - London Drugs Broadway & Cambie
•
•
525 West Broadway
604-872-5177
April 17 - London Drugs Granville & Georgia
•
•
710 Granville St.
604-685-5292
May 12 - London Drugs Langley
•
•
20202 — 66th Ave.
604-448-4818
May 13 - London Drugs Lougheed Town Centre
•
•
9855 Austin Avenue
604-448-4825
May 14 - London Drugs Guildford Town Centre
•
•
10355 152 Street
604-448-4809
For more information about the BC Oral Cancer Prevention Program http://www.orcanet.ca/