Clifton Health Dept. Offers Free Screening
CLIFTON, NJ – Is a killer hiding under your nose? Residents of Clifton and Little Falls can find out by attending a free oral cancer screening.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, the Clifton Health Department will provide a FREE Oral Cancer Screening for residents of Clifton and Little Falls. The screening will be conducted by Dr. Kenith Nevard, DDS and is by appointment only, to register please call (973) 470-5776. An examination of the lips, gums, mouth, and throat for sores, lumps and other early warning signs of cancer will be completed during this screening. All participants must be 18 years of age or older. The screening will be taking place at the Clifton Health Department, 900 Clifton Avenue, 2nd Floor from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Oral cancer is a cancer that affects the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat. It is approximately twice as common in men as in women and the likelihood of developing oral cancer increases with age. Oral cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 35,000 Americans this year and will cause approximately 6,800 deaths. Possible signs & symptoms for oral cancer include a sore that doesn’t heal, a lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth, a white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth, loose teeth, poorly fitting dentures, tongue pain, jaw pain or stiffness, difficult or painful chewing, difficult or painful swallowing, sore throat, or feeling that something is caught in your throat, weight loss, or constant bad breath. Although the majority of oral cancers occur in persons 62 years of age and older, an increasing number of younger persons are being diagnosed with the disease. In its earliest, most treatable stages, oral cancer may be painless and go unnoticed. An oral cancer exam can help detect oral cancer in its earliest stages when treatment will be most effective. The exam is painless and takes only a few minutes. Everyone who has ever used tobacco and/or alcohol, or anyone 20 years of age and older should be screened.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early detection is needed to increase the survival rate for oral cancer and it plays a significant role in patients’ success in fighting the disease.
You should have the soft tissue of the mouth examined once a year. Many oral cancers are discovered by routine dental examination. Other tips for improved mouth health are, minimize or avoid smoking or other tobacco use, minimize or avoid alcohol use, practice good oral hygiene, and have dental problems corrected.
The Clifton Health Department is a contractual health agency serving the Township of Little Falls.