JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and Carolina Dental Specialty Center is urging residents across Eastern North Carolina to take early detection seriously by offering free oral cancer screenings for new patients throughout the month and inviting members of the media to experience the potentially life saving exam firsthand.
Oral cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer when not caught early. More than 54,000 Americans are diagnosed each year, and according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one person dies every hour from the disease. The high mortality rate is largely driven by late stage detection, despite the fact that oral cancer is highly treatable when identified early.
At Carolina Dental Specialty Center, led by Dr. Jose I. Arauz, the focus this April is simple: increase awareness, remove barriers to care, and encourage proactive screenings that can save lives.
“Oral cancer often develops silently,” said Dr. Arauz. “Many patients do not experience pain in the early stages, which is why it goes undetected until it becomes much more serious. A screening takes just minutes, but it can make a life changing difference.”
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. While tobacco and alcohol use remain well known risk factors, a growing number of cases are now linked to human papillomavirus, or HPV, expanding risk to younger and otherwise healthy individuals. Symptoms may include persistent sores, lumps, difficulty swallowing, unexplained bleeding, or changes in voice, though early stage cases often present with little to no warning signs.
Screenings at Carolina Dental Specialty Center are quick, non-invasive, and designed to detect abnormalities at the earliest possible stage through a comprehensive visual and tactile examination. As a specialty practice focused on periodontal health and advanced surgical care, the team is trained to identify subtle changes that may indicate serious conditions.
To encourage early detection, the practice is offering free oral cancer screenings for new patients throughout April by appointment. Individuals can learn more or schedule directly by visiting Carolinadsc.com/free-oral-cancer-screening/
In addition, Carolina Dental Specialty Center is extending an open invitation to local and regional media outlets to visit the office during April for their own complimentary screening and to speak with Dr. Arauz about the rising risks, evolving causes, and importance of routine oral cancer exams.
“Awareness is the first step, but action is what saves lives,” Dr. Arauz said. “We want people to understand that this is not something to delay or ignore. A simple screening could be the reason a diagnosis is caught early instead of too late.”
Carolina Dental Specialty Center serves patients throughout Jacksonville and surrounding communities with a focus on advanced technology, patient comfort, and long term oral health. The practice offers specialized services including dental implants, gum grafting, periodontal therapy, and advanced surgical procedures.
Free screenings are available for a limited time during April and must be scheduled in advance.