Paso Robles clinic to host free oral cancer screenings
Dr. Alltucker, Dr. Bush, and Dr. Weaver.
Screenings are being offered in recognition of Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Month
– Central Coast Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will provide free oral cancer screenings on April 14 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and April 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at its Paso Robles office, located at 1428 Oak Street.
The screenings are being offered in recognition of Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Individuals interested in receiving a screening must arrive at the clinic during the specified times and inform the staff they would like to participate.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 58,450 new cases of oral cancer were reported in the previous year, with 12,230 deaths. The Head and Neck Cancer Foundation encourages early detection, as many cases go unnoticed until they have reached a late stage. Symptoms may include persistent mouth or throat sores, swelling, unusual bleeding, or difficulty breathing, speaking, chewing or swallowing.
“Oral cancer has an 80 to 90 percent survival rate, when found in the early stages, so we urge everyone to make oral cancer screenings a part of your annual health care routine,” said Benjamin F. Bush, DDS, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with Central Coast Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. “If you’re experiencing any symptoms or haven’t had your annual screening yet, get screened.”
Dr. Bush is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with more than 15 years of experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine, and a DDS from New York University. He completed his specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery through Weill Cornell at the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in New York, where he served as chief resident.
“The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin called mucosa, which is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process, including oral cancer,” said Justin M. Weaver, DDS, MD, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the practice. “Pain doesn’t always occur with oral cancer, particularly in the early stages, so don’t wait until you’re in pain.”
Dr. Weaver recommends performing monthly self-exams to check for any changes in the mouth or throat. If changes are found, he advises scheduling a screening as soon as possible.
Dr. Weaver has been with Central Coast Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for nearly 10 years. He earned both his DDS and MD from Loma Linda University and completed general surgery training, anesthesia training, and oral and maxillofacial surgery residency through Loma Linda University Health.
Central Coast Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery operates offices in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. The practice offers a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. All surgeons are certified in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and basic life support. The offices follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, including those related to sanitization, emergency protocols and continuing education.
More information about the practice is available at www.ccomsgroup.com. Details about the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation can be found at www.mnofs.com/head-neck-cancer-foundation.
Local Dentist in San Luis Obispo
If you are in need of a friendly and helpful dentist in San Luis Obispo, contact the office of Douglas W. Ng, DDS.
Address:
862 Meinecke Ave #203
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Call for appointment: (805) 544-1246
