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 be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the practice’s office at 54 S. Medical Park Drive in Fishersville. The initiative is organized in partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancers.
The awareness effort comes as the American Cancer Society projects 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in the United States in 2026, with approximately 13,150 deaths expected to be linked to the disease.
M. Todd Brandt, DDS, MD, FACS, of Blue Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that oral cancer has an 80% to 90% survival rate when identified in its early stages, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation.
The clinic’s care team recommends that most individuals undergo annual screenings conducted by qualified healthcare professionals, in addition to performing monthly self-examinations at home using a mirror and bright lighting.
Medical experts advise individuals to monitor for any unusual changes in the mouth, throat, or neck, including red or white patches, persistent sores, unexplained bleeding, swelling, or lumps. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights symptoms such as persistent mouth or throat pain, as well as difficulty breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
Blue Ridge Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery noted that oral cancer often does not present pain in its early stages, making routine screenings essential for early detection and timely treatment.
According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of diagnosis for oral and related cancers is 64, although roughly 20% of cases occur in individuals under 55. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol use, genetics, poor nutrition, poor oral hygiene, facial injuries, and certain underlying medical conditions.
Residents interested in participating can visit the Fishersville clinic during screening hours to request a free oral cancer screening.
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