In 2021 in Canada, an estimated 7400 or more people were diagnosed with head and neck malignancies, particularly squamous cell carcinoma; 2100 likely succumbed to the disease.1 Approximately 70% of these cases were in the oral cavity and oropharynx, an increased incidence of almost 14% in 2020 compared with 2015–2019 rates.2 For all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers, 5-year survival rates are estimated to be 65%,3 and 17–30% of those who survive are likely to develop a secondary tumour later in life, even after successful treatment.4 In 2021, it was estimated that 960 British Columb