iReporter
 
Pin on Pinterest
Colorado Oral Surgery's Dr. Michael Hale says oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90%, when diagnosed early.

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, two local oral and maxillofacial surgery practices will offer free oral cancer screenings. They are Colorado Oral Surgery in Denver and Parker, and Colorado Regional Oral Surgery in Arvada. 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 one of the clinics during the designated days and times, and ask for a free cancer screening. The free screenings will be available:

  • 4/14 from 3 to 4 pm – Colorado Regional Oral Surgery – 8025 Club Crest Drive, Arvada, Colo., 80005
  • 4/15 from 3 to 4 pm – Colorado Regional Oral Surgery – 8025 Club Crest Drive, Arvada, Colo., 80005
  •  4/17 from 1 to 2 pm – Colorado Oral Surgery – 17167 Cedar Gulch Parkway, Suite 100, Parker, Colo., 80134
  • 4/17 from 1 to 2 pm – Colorado Oral Surgery – 2373 Central Park Blvd., Suite 301, Denver, Colo., 80238
  • 4/17 from 1 to 2 pm – Colorado Oral Surgery – 400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 450, Denver, Colo., 80246

 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 Michael A. Hale, DDS, of Colorado Oral Surgery. “That’s why screenings like this are important. For most patients, we recommend annual oral cancer screenings by a qualified healthcare professional, as well as monthly self-exams.”

 For self-examinations, the doctors recommend using a bright light and mirror to look for “anything out of the ordinary” such as whitish or reddish patches, sores that won’t heal and unexplained lumps, swelling or bleeding.

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.

“If your mouth feels, looks or functions differently, get it checked out by a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible,” added Sara Weinstein, DDS, MS, of Colorado Regional Oral Surgery. “Don’t wait until you’re in pain to address it. You may not experience pain during the initial stages of oral cancer, and early detection can make a big difference in terms of options and outcomes.”