In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, four local oral and maxillofacial surgery practices will offer free oral cancer screenings in the Atlanta area. They are Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in Atlanta, South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Newnan and Peachtree City, Oral & Facial Surgery Associates in Braselton and Lawrenceville, and Peachtree Dunwoody Oral & Facial Surgery in Sandy Springs.

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. To participate, arrive at the designated clinics during the specified times and dates, and ask for a free cancer screening. The free screenings will be available:

In Atlanta:

• 4/14 from 3 to 4 pm at Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates – 1175 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1202, Atlanta, GA., 30361
• 4/15 from 3 to 4 pm at Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates – 1175 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1202, Atlanta, GA., 30361

In Newnan:

• 4/13 from 12 to 1:30 pm at South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Newnan clinic – 182 – A Jefferson Parkway, Newnan, GA., 30263

In Peachtree City:

• 4/13 from 12 to 1:30 pm at South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Peachtree City clinic – 406 Stevens Entry, Peachtree City, GA., 30269
• 4/16 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at South Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Peachtree City clinic – 406 Stevens Entry, Peachtree City, GA., 30269

In Braselton:

• 4/14 from 2 to 4 pm at Oral & Facial Surgery Associates Braselton clinic – 1215 A Tuscany Drive, Braselton, GA., 30517 

In Lawrenceville:

• 4/16 from 2 to 4 pm at Oral & Facial Surgery Associates Lawrenceville clinic – 745 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA., 30046

In Sandy Springs:

• 4/15 from 2 to 5 pm at Peachtree Dunwoody Oral & Facial Surgery – 5505 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 660, Sandy Springs, GA., 30342.

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, of 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.

“Pathology is often painless, so don’t wait until you experience pain” added Bruce Anderson, DDS, of Metropolitan Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates. “If you see or feel something different in your mouth, have it evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.”

Some common symptoms to look for include whitish or reddish patches, sores that won’t heal – particularly those that bleed – as well as unexplained swelling, bleeding or lumps. Some other common symptoms identified by the CDC include difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking and chewing or swallowing food.

The Head & Neck Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer. The foundation strives to produce measurable, progressive change through education, awareness, research, outreach and advocacy. For more information, visit https://www.mnofs.com/head-neck-cancer-foundation.