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April is also National Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Betel nut has been found as the leading cause of oral cancer in the CNMI.
In a proclamation signed Wednesday by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog declaring April as National Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it stated that betel nut with tobacco and other additives has been the main cause for oral cancer in the commonwealth.
It added that approximately 42,000 individuals are newly diagnosed with oral cancer each year in the U.S. alone. Unfortunately, the majority are found as late stage cancers, which accounts for the very high death rate.
However, the good news is that “a dentist or doctor can see or feel precancerous tissues changes or an early cancer, finding it at the most curable stages.”
“The early detection of oral cancer and prevention of the disease through regular oral cancer screenings and increased awareness through early detection practices can save lives,” the proclamation added.
To combat this cancer, dental clinics in the CNMI are working together to save lives by providing free oral cancer screening this month.
The Commonwealth Cancer Association in partnership with the Seventh Day Adventist Clinic, the Commonwealth Health Care Corporation-Division of Public Health Service, CHCC Dental Clinic, Dental Care Clinic, New Wave Clinic, Smile Marianas Clinic, Paradise Dental & Cosmetic Center and ToothWorks Clinic are offering free screening for oral cancer for all ages.
“We encourage everyone in the CNMI to take advantage of the free screening and to educate yourself and your loved ones about oral cancer,” the proclamation said.
“We commend and urge this observance to all of our citizens, so that together we can fight oral cancer and save lives every day,” Torres said.
