IRVING, Texas - In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, 49 U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) surgeon partners in 14 states will offer free oral cancer screenings during the week of April 13. 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.
“Programs like these enable our surgeons to demonstrate their commitment to their communities,” said USOSM CEO Doug Drew. “They’re deeply devoted to providing high-quality OMS (oral and maxillofacial surgery) care – to making a significant difference in the lives of the people they treat, the communities they serve and the OMS specialty they represent.”
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.
“Early detection is key,” said Vincent J. Perciaccante, DDS, FACS, USOSM chief clinical officer and a practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon with South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. “The good news is that oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation. That’s why cancer screenings like this are so important.”
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.
“We recommend annual screenings by a qualified health care professional, particularly since the number of early onset cases continues to rise,” noted Dr. Perciaccante. “Monthly self-exams are also important. Using a bright light and mirror, look for any changes in or on your mouth, throat or tongue – such as lumps, sores or discolorations, particularly red or white patches. If you find anything out-of-the-ordinary, contact your physician as soon as possible and get it checked out.”
Some additional, common symptoms of oral cancer identified by the CDC include sores or pain in the mouth or throat that will not go away; swelling or unusual bleeding; or difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking and chewing or swallowing food.
Local USOSM surgeon partners who are participating in the free oral cancer screenings include Dr. Phillip Newton of Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas (OSANT) and Dr. Howard F. Cooke of Metroplex Surgical Arts. The free local oral cancer screenings will be available:
- April 15 from 2 to 5 pm at Metroplex Surgical Arts – 7988 W. Virginia Dr., Suite 200, Dallas, Texas, 75237
- April 16 from 11 am to 1 pm at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas (OSANT) – 540 W. Frontier Parkway, Suite 100, Prosper, Texas 75078.
To participate, arrive at either clinic during its designated date and times, and ask for a free cancer screening. 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.
