Cancer

Oral cancer

Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice

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Table of contents

Cancer | Oral cancer

Prevalence and context of the condition

It is estimated that more than 700 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2023 in Australia.¹

Table of recommendations

Screening

Recommended as of: 28/06/2024

Recommendation	Grade	How often	References
Screening for oral cancer in asymptomatic adults is not recommended because there is insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms.	Not recommended (Strong)	N/A	²

Further information

In 2013, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found that there is inadequate evidence for the accuracy of diagnosis, benefits and harms of screening for oral cancer.²

Considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

There are no specific recommendations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

References

Cancer Council. Mouth cancer. Australia: Cancer Council, 2023 [Accessed 3 November 2023].
US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Oral cancer: Screening. USPSTF, 2013 [Accessed 17 January 2024].

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