Blue Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will provide free oral cancer screenings at its Fishersville, Virginia clinic on April 15 as part of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.
The screenings will take place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the practice’s office located at 54 S. Medical Park Drive in Fishersville. The initiative is being held in partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancers.
The awareness campaign comes as the American Cancer Society estimates 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026, with approximately 13,150 deaths linked to the disease.
M. Todd Brandt, DDS, MD, FACS, of Blue Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery said early detection remains critical, noting that oral cancer has an 80% to 90% survival rate when diagnosed in its early stages, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation.
The clinic’s care team recommends that most patients receive annual screenings from qualified healthcare professionals and conduct monthly self-examinations at home using a mirror and bright light.
Medical professionals advise individuals to watch for unusual changes in the mouth, throat, or neck, including red or white patches, persistent sores, unexplained bleeding, swelling, or lumps. Other warning signs identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include mouth or throat pain that does not go away and difficulty breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
Blue Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery emphasized that oral cancer may not cause pain in its early stages, making routine screenings especially important for early diagnosis and treatment.
The American Cancer Society says the average age of diagnosis for oral and related cancers is 64, though about 20% of cases occur in people younger than 55. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, genetics, poor nutrition, oral hygiene, facial injuries, and certain medical conditions.
Residents interested in participating can visit the Fishersville clinic during the screening hours and request a free oral cancer screening.
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