Olomouc clinics offer free oral screenings for HPV-related cancers

Stomatological clinics at University Hospital Olomouc and the Faculty of Medicine at Palacký University are offering free preventive oral examinations. The initiative aims to increase the early detection of head and neck cancers, specifically oropharyngeal carcinomas.

One clinic is participating in a pilot screening study focused on tumors caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This is particularly significant as the incidence of these cancers has been rising globally, especially among individuals over the age of 40. While the link between HPV and oropharyngeal tumors is well-established, current data on HPV prevalence in the oral cavity within the Czech Republic remains limited.

The screening process is described as quick and painless. Samples collected during the examination are sent to the laboratory of the Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine at Palacký University. Patients who test positive for HPV will be invited for further medical evaluation.