Oral Cancer Day, which will be held on Saturday 11 May in Piazza del Popolo in Vittoria, represents an important opportunity to raise awareness about the prevention of oral cancers. Organized by the ANDI ETS Foundation (National Association of Italian Dentists), the event involves numerous ANDI provincial sections and various Italian squares.
During this day, ANDI dentists will offer crucial information on the importance of undergoing periodic mouth checks, highlighting that these checks not only concern the health of your teeth, but also the prevention of tumors. It is an opportunity to raise citizens’ awareness of the importance of prevention, regular checks and early diagnosis, as well as taking stock of the epidemiological situation and ongoing genetic studies.
Currently, there are approximately 9,900 cases of cervical-facial tumors in Italy, of which over 4,000 in the oral cavity alone. It is concerning that many of these cancers are diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited and more invasive. This aspect underlines the importance of regular checks and raising awareness about prevention.
According to the President of the ANDI ETS Foundation, Evangelista Giovanni Mancini, there is a need to address the late diagnosis of these tumors, as well as to better understand the risk factors, including the increasingly relevant role of the Papilloma Virus (HPV), which contributes to over 20% of oral cancer cases.
The Foundation offers citizens the opportunity to book a free screening visit at participating dental practices, by consulting the website www.oralcancerday.it or by calling the toll-free number 800 058 444. During the visit, an accurate check of the oral mucosa will be carried out to identify any lesions and, if necessary, patients will be referred to a second level facility for a definitive diagnosis.
In a period in which many citizens forego dental check-ups due to economic and social factors, this initiative is essential to promote prevention and ensure early diagnosis of oral cancers.
