Source: The Tennessean
Author: Staff

One person dies each hour of each day from oral cancer in the United States, but it only takes a three-minute oral exam to potentially save a life.

On June 5, local dentists and hygienists will gather at the Nashville SuperSpeedway for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, to conduct free oral cancer screenings for the general public. The event is being sponsored by the Oral Cancer Foundation, to educate others about the importance of prevention and early detection through check-ups and awareness of important warning signs. The free exams will be conducted from 2-6 p.m. at the Speedway.

Approximately 35,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010, which includes mouth cancer, tongue cancer and throat cancer. When found early, there is an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. However, due to a lack of public awareness, the majority of cases are found as late-stage cancers that can be killers.

The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and support activities. Check outwww.oralcancerfoundation.org to learn more about risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, current research and up-to-date oral cancer related news, among other important information. A free patient/survivor discussion forum is also open to the public, where those currently fighting oral cancer can gain insights and inspiration from those who have been there before them.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series returns to Nashville Superspeedway on June 5 for the Federated Auto Parts 300, a Saturday night affair under the lights!