Free oral cancer screenings offered in SLO, Paso Robles this month
Left: Dr. Alltucker and right: Dr. Bush.
– Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will offer free oral cancer screenings in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles in recognition of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.
The screenings will take place on April 13 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at 990 Boysen Ave. in San Luis Obispo and on April 15 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at 1428 Oak St. in Paso Robles. Participants can arrive at the clinics during the scheduled times and request a free cancer screening.
The screenings are part of a partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness of oral, head, and neck cancer.
April is recognized as Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness of the condition, its risk factors, statistics, and screenings. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer and 13,150 deaths attributed to the disease.
“The good news is that oral cancer has a survival rate of 80- 90% when diagnosed early, as reported by the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation,” said Eric Alltucker, DDS, MD, of Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. “Early detection can improve options and outcomes.”
Benjamin Bush, DDS, of the practice, said providers generally recommend annual oral cancer screenings and monthly self-examinations.
“Monthly self-exams can be done just about anywhere. Using a bright light and a mirror, look for anything out of the ordinary in or on your mouth, tongue and throat. In particular, look for lumps, swelling, bleeding, white or red patches, or sores that won’t heal.”
Common symptoms identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include sores or pain in the mouth or throat that do not go away, swelling or unusual bleeding, or difficulty performing daily functions such as breathing, speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
The American Cancer Society reports the average age of diagnosis is 64, and one in five cases occurs in people younger than 55. Risk factors include smoking and alcohol use, genetic predisposition, nutrition, mouth or face injuries, oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions.
Central Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery operates offices in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles and provides oral and maxillofacial surgery services. Surgeons at the practice hold certifications in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, and basic life support. The offices follow workplace safety guidelines, including sanitization practices, emergency protocols, and continuing education for staff.
The Head & Neck Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of oral, head, and neck cancer through education, research, outreach, and advocacy.
