OraFusion Oral Cancer Screening at Dr BK Clinic
OraFusion Oral Cancer Screening at Dr BK Clinic
Advanced Early Mouth Cancer Detection Using Salivary Biomarkers
At Dr BK Clinic, we believe in exceptional care through early detection and prevention.
We use the OraFusion Oral Cancer Screening test; a revolutionary saliva-based test that identifies early molecular changes associated with oral cancer, often before any visible symptoms appear. This quick, painless screening supports timely referral and early intervention, significantly improving long-term outcomes.
Why Patients Choose OraFusion:
✓ Non-invasive
✓ Fast results (approx. 15 minutes)
✓ Detects changes before symptoms become visible
✓ Helps guide urgent referral when necessary
✓ Complements traditional clinical oral examinations
_____________
Pricing:
Standard Screening: £95
As Add-On to Dental Check-Up: £75
Why Screen for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is one of the fastest rising cancers in the UK, with cases continuing to increase every year. Because early signs can be subtle or unnoticeable, regular screening is essential—especially for higher-risk individuals.
Key UK Mouth Cancer Statistics:
- 10,800+ new cases diagnosed annually (Mouth Cancer Action Report UK)
- Incidence has risen by over 130% in the past 20 years (Oral Health Foundation – State of Mouth Cancer UK Report)
- There are 3,600 deaths per year (Oral cancer data from Public Health England on GOV.UK)
- Late diagnosis reduces survival to about 35%, while early detection increases survival to over 80% (Cancer Research UK – Survival for Mouth and Oropharyngeal Cancer)
Early detection is the strongest defence against oral cancer progression. Learn more about Mouth Cancer via NHS website here.
Who Should Consider Screening?
OraFusion is suitable for all adults, but certain groups have an increased risk of oral cancer. Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms (next section) should also consider screening.
Age-Related Risk
- Adults 40 years and over
Lifestyle Risk Factors
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- High alcohol intake
- Recreational drug exposure affecting oral mucosa
Medical Risk Factors
- HPV-associated disease
- Immunosuppression
- Previous oral dysplasia
- Chronic mucosal irritation
- History of head and neck radiotherapy
Mouth Cancer Symptoms
Recognising early symptoms is crucial. While some may have benign causes, any issue that persists for more than two weeks should be assessed professionally.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
- Persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal
- Red or white patches (erythroplakia or leukoplakia)
- Unexplained lumps or thickening in the mouth, lips, or neck
- Sore throat or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Numbness in the tongue, lips, or oral tissues
- Loose teeth or poorly fitting dentures without gum disease
- Ear pain on one side without infection
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
If you notice any of these symptoms continuously for 14 days or more, consider booking a screening.
OraFusion Screening Process
The process is simple, comfortable and completed within a single appointment.
- Test explanation – your clinician will discuss the purpose and benefits
- Informed consent – we ensure you understand and agree to the procedure
- Saliva collection via swab – non-invasive and painless
- 15-minute processing – biomarkers are analysed chairside
- Clinician interpretation – your risk score is reviewed immediately
- Results discussion & documentation – next steps are explained clearly
Understanding Your OraFusion Results
🟢 Low Risk
- Continue routine dental care
- Annual oral cancer screening recommended
🟡 Moderate Risk
- Clinical re-examination
- Lifestyle review
- Repeat test in three months
🟠 Elevated Risk
- Urgent same-week referral to oral surgery or ENT
The Science Behind Salivary Biomarker Testing
Saliva acts as a non-invasive liquid biopsy, carrying DNA, RNA, and proteins from the oral cavity. Biomarkers such as p16 and EGFR can reveal early molecular changes linked to oral cancer.
OraFusion measures those key biomarkers (p16 and EGFR) to produce a clear risk score, guiding your clinician on appropriate next steps. While it is not a diagnostic test, it plays a crucial role in identifying individuals who require further investigation and research supports saliva testing as an effective early detection tool.
Data sources:
Why choose DrBK for Oral Cancer Screening?
- Leading clinicians with 30+ years experience in Dentistry
- State-of-the-art salivary diagnostics
- Same-visit results with clear action plans
- Strong referral pathways for urgent assessment
- Focus on prevention, education and patient-first care
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer is a disease in which malignant cells develop in the tissues of the mouth or throat. Early signs include persistent sores, red or white patches, unexplained lumps, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, numbness, or prolonged bad breath.
How common is mouth cancer in the UK?
Over 10,800 new cases are diagnosed annually, and rates have increased by more than 130% over the past 20 years.
Who is most at risk of mouth cancer?
Adults over 40, smokers, heavy drinkers, people with HPV infection, those with chronic oral irritation, and people with a history of oral lesions or dysplasia.
Does early detection improve survival?
Detecting oral cancer early can raise 5-year survival rates from around 35% to over 80%.
Can mouth cancer be prevented?
Reducing tobacco and alcohol use, practising good oral hygiene, attending routine dental check-ups, and receiving HPV vaccination can lower risk.
Is OraFusion a diagnostic test?
No. It identifies risk and helps determine whether further investigation is needed.
Is the test painful or uncomfortable?
Not at all. It simply involves collecting saliva.
How accurate is the testing method?
Research shows that salivary biomarkers offer a reliable early indication of molecular changes linked with oral cancer.
When will I get my results?
You'll get your results back during the same appointment, after around 15 minutes. Your clinician will review your risk score and next steps immediately.
Can I add OraFusion to my dental check-up?
Yes—at a reduced rate of £75.
What if my result is elevated risk?
You will receive an urgent referral to oral surgery or ENT within the same week.
OraFusion Oral Cancer Screening Pricing
- Standard OraFusion Screening: £95
- As Add-On to Dental Check-Up: £75
Book Your Oral Cancer Screening
Take Control of Your Oral Health Today
Early detection saves lives. OraFusion screening is painless, fast and highly informative.
Book your OraFusion appointment at Dr BK Clinic today.
Sources
- Cancer Research UK – Mouth Cancer Statistics
- Oral Health Foundation – State of Mouth Cancer UK Report
- Public Health England – Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Reports
- Salivary diagnostics for oral cancer: Nature Reviews Oral Oncology
- Liquid biopsy applications in head and neck cancer: Lancet Oncology
- Salivary biomarkers in oral cancer detection: Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine
