Free Screening During Oral Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, East Georgia Center for Oral and Facial Surgery will be offering free oral cancer screenings on:

• Saturday, April 9th
• 9am to 12pm
• 613 East Grady Street, Statesboro,
• Screenings are simple, painless, and quick (10 minutes). We look forward to seeing you! 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  Approximately 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year and only 57% of these newly diagnosed patients will survive after 5 years.  While oral cancer is most commonly found in those who have heavily utilized tobacco products throughout their lives, it can also be diagnosed in young individuals or those who have never smoked a single cigarette.  Additional risk factors include exposure to ultraviolet radiation, alcohol use, and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV16).

Often, oral cancer goes unnoticed by patients in the early stages and thus, does not become diagnosed until late in their development.  The American Dental Association recommends a visit with your dentist at least every six months.  If your general dentist finds a suspicious lesion or mass, they will likely refer you to a surgeon for a consultation.   Based on the surgeon’s assessment, a biopsy may be performed or the concerning lesion may be observed for a short period of time.   Once cancer is diagnosed, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of modalities.

Current research is focused on understanding phases of cancer development and applying new therapies for treatment.  For now, minimizing risk factors and early detection are crucial in achieving the best prognosis.