Free Oral Cancer Screenings in Pensacola

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Northwest Florida Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will offer free oral cancer screenings in Pensacola on April 16 from 1 pm to 3 pm. The screenings are part of a joint partnership with the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer. To participate, schedule an appointment or arrive at the clinic during the designated days and times and ask for a free cancer screening. Clinic location: 121 Baptist Way, Suite 1100, Pensacola, Fla., 32503.

April is widely recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness of the condition, risk factors, statistics and screenings. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal (middle throat) cancer – with 13,150 deaths attributed to it – in 2026.

"The Head and Neck Cancer Foundation reports that oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, which is why screenings like this are important," said Jelena Karovic, DMD, DMD, PhD, of Northwest Florida Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. "For most patients, we recommend annual screenings by a qualified health professional, as well as monthly self-exams."

Dr. Karovic recommends performing monthly self-exams using a bright light and mirror to look for "anything out of the ordinary -- such as lumps, swelling, bleeding, white or red patches, or sores that won't heal – particularly those that bleed. Some common symptoms to look for – as identified by the CDC – include sores or pain in the mouth or throat that will not go away; swelling or unusual bleeding; or difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking and chewing or swallowing food.


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