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Free Oral Cancer Screenings in Lawrenceville
In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Oral & Facial Surgery Associates will offer free oral cancer screenings in Lawrenceville on April 16 from 2 to 4 pm. 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. To participate, arrive at the clinic during the time and date provided and ask for a free cancer screening. Location: 745 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, Ga., 30046.
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 an 80-90% survival rate, when found in the early stages, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation” said Sandeep Pathak, DMD, MD, FACS, of Oral & Facial Surgery Associates. “An earlier diagnosis can make a significant difference in terms of treatment options and outcomes, which is why we recommend annual screenings by a qualified health care professional and monthly self-exams, which you can do at home using a bright light and mirror.”
Some common symptoms to look for – as identified by the CDC – include sores or pain in the mouth or throat that will not go away; swelling or unusual bleeding; or difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking and chewing or swallowing food.
Patrick W. Walker, DMD, of Oral & Facial Surgery Associates, noted that when doing a self-examination, look for unexplained or unusual changes in or on the mouth, lips, throat or neck.
“In particular, you’re looking for things like whitish or reddish patches, sores that won’t heal, lumps, bleeding or swelling,” said Dr. Walker. “If your mouth looks, feels or functions differently than before, then get it checked out by a qualified healthcare professional. Don’t wait until you’re in pain because pain isn’t always associated with oral pathology.”
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.
