FREEHOLD, NJ  – Every year, as many as 28,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Each year, nearly 7,000 people die as a result.

 

The Monmouth Cancer Coalition is working to reduce the incidence of oral cancer in Monmouth County by coordinating free screenings for adults from April 15 through April 21.

 

"Oral cancer is preventable," said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, the liaison to the county's Department of Health. "The key is being aware of the symptoms and avoiding risk factors that are known to contribute to oral cancer. The Department of Health is one of the partners in the Monmouth Cancer Coalition's efforts to provide free exams to adults who do not receive regular dental exams."

 

From April 15 through April 21, more than 35 locations throughout the county have set aside times for free oral cancer screenings. At each designated site, an oral health professional will provide an oral cancer screening test for anyone who registers. 

 

A list of dates, times, and locations can be found on the county's Web site as well as the coalition's Web site at www.monmouthcancercoalition.org. The locations include dentist's offices, health care centers and senior centers. Additional sites may be added, so be sure to check for updated information.

 

The free screenings are fast and painless. A simple test can detect lesions or other signs of oral cancer. All adults are eligible to receive the test at no cost.

 

"Among the symptoms of oral cancer are numbness in your tongue or a sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in your mouth, lip or throat," said Michael A. Meddis, MPH, public health coordinator for the Monmouth County Department of Health and chairman of the Monmouth Cancer Coalition's Work Group on Oral Cancer. "Adults are encouraged to be screened regularly by an oral heath professional and to find out more about oral cancer."

"New Jersey has a significantly higher risk of oral cancer than other states, and Monmouth County is higher than the average of New Jersey counties," Meddis said. "We believe regular health screenings can make a big difference and that education about oral cancer is the key to saving lives."

 

The oral cancer initiative is taking place under the direction of Meddis and Dr. Kayvon Haghighi, an oral surgeon and a member of the Governor's Task Force on Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer in New Jersey Workgroup on Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Dr. David Lederman, chairman of the Workgroup on Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer and a Monmouth County resident, is also actively involved. 

 

The Monmouth Cancer Coalition's mission is to increase awareness, education and access to cancer screening and care through developing and sustaining collaborative relationships within the community for the purpose of reducing cancer morbidity and mortality in Monmouth County.

 

The Monmouth Cancer Coalition is a volunteer organization with representatives from health and human services, education, business, faith-based organizations and the general public in Monmouth County. It is funded by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Cancer Control & Prevention with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey acting as grant recipient. 

 

Educational materials are being circulated to senior centers, health fairs and other events throughout the month.

 

For more information, contact the Monmouth County Health Department at (732) 431-7456, or www.visitmonmouth.com. For more information about the Oral Cancer Screening Initiative and the Monmouth Cancer Coalition, please visit www.monmouthcancercoalition.org or call 732-418-3210. 
   
 

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