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In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates will offer free oral cancer screenings April 15th from 3 to 4 pm. To participate, arrive at the clinic on April15th during the designated times and ask for a free cancer screening. Clinic location: 1175 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1202, Atlanta, GA., 30361.
The screenings are part of a joint partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer. April is widely recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of the condition, risk factors, statistics and screenings. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancer – with 13,150 deaths attributed to it – in 2026.
“The good news is that oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation,” said Dr. Bruce Anderson of Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates. “That’s why we recommend annual screenings to most patients, as well as monthly self-exams. An early diagnosis can lead to better options and outcomes.”
For self-examinations, Dr. Anderson recommends using a bright light and mirror to look for anything different or unusual on or in the mouth, throat, or neck. “In particular, look for whitish or reddish patches, sores that won’t heal or unexplained bleeding, swelling, or lumps and be aware of any difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing food.”
“Pathology is often painless, so don’t wait until you experience pain” added Dr. Anderson. “If you see or feel something different in your mouth, have it evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.”
The American Cancer Society reports that the average age of people diagnosed with these cancers is 64 and that one in five cases occur in people younger than 55. Some risk factors to consider include smoking and alcohol use, genetic predisposition, nutrition, mouth/face injuries, oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions/diseases.
