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SGMC to offer Free Oral Cancer Screening

Posted on: April 1st, 2015

4/1/2015

Valdosta, GA – In recognition of April as Oral Cancer Awareness month, South Georgia Medical Center and area dentists will be offering a free oral cancer screening on Thursday, April 16, from 5:30 until 7:00 pm at the SGMC Pearlman Cancer Center. To register for the free screening or for information, call 229.433.1074.

Symptoms of oral cancer include sores that bleed easily, lumps, thick or rough spots on gum tissues. Oral cancer can affect the lips, gums, tissues, cheek lining, tongue, the hard or soft palates of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. “An early detection is a powerful tool in successfully treating oral cancer,” said SGMC’s Community Relations Director, Laura Love. “This screening will be quick, painless, and could potentially save your life.”

If an area of suspicion is found, a painless brush biopsy test will be administered to determine if any pre-cancerous or cancerous cells are present. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 35,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year and an estimated 7,000 people will die from oral cancer. Although many persons diagnosed with oral cancer have no obvious risk factors, tobacco and alcohol users are at a higher risk for developing this disease.

Early identification and treatment of oral cancer can substantially increase a person’s chances of survival.