FREEHOLD – The Monmouth Cancer Coalition has arranged for 24 locations throughout the county to provide free oral cancer screenings to adults now though May 1. A complete list of dates, times, and locations can be found on the coalition’s website at www.monmouthcancercoalition.org

 

The Monmouth County 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. 

 

“Oral cancer is entirely preventable,” said Freeholder Barbara McMorrow, who oversees 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. These free screenings are fast and painless. They will also give people the opportunity to learn more about oral cancer and the importance of general oral health.

           

Adults are encouraged to seek one of the oral heath professionals to find out more about oral cancer,” said Michael A. Meddis, MPH, Health Officer for the Monmouth County Department of Health. “Among the symptoms of oral cancer symptoms are numbness in your tongue or a sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in your mouth, lip or throat.”

 

28,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer annually and nearly 7,000 die from oral cancer. 

 

The Monmouth Cancer Coalition is a volunteer organization comprised of representatives from the health and human service communities, education, business, faith-based organizations and the general public in Monmouth County. The Coalition is funded by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Cancer Control & Prevention with Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey acting as grant recipient. There are currently more than 80 active members representing more than forty organizations throughout the county.

 

For more information, contact the Monmouth County Health Department at (732) 431-7456 or www.visitmonmouth.com.

 

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