Free Oral Cancer Screenings in Papillion

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Premier Oral Surgery will offer free oral cancer screenings in Papillion April 14-16. The screenings will be offered from 11 am to 12 pm, and from 1 pm to 2 pm. To participate, arrive at the clinic during the designated times and dates, and ask for a free cancer screening. Clinic location: 546 S. Washington Street, Papillion, Neb., 68046. The screenings are part of a joint partnership with the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer. 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. “Those statistics are sobering, but thankfully, oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation,” said Afolabi Ogunleye, DMD, of Premier Oral Surgery. “That’s why we recommend most patients get screened annually by a qualified healthcare professional.” In addition, Dr. Ogunleye recommends monthly self-examinations for most patients to “look for anything new, different or usual” on or in the mouth, throat or neck. These self-examinations can be done at home using a bright light or mirror. Warning signs may include white or red patches, lumps, swelling, or sores that won’t heal – particularly those that bleed. More serious warning signs identified by the CDC include difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking, and chewing or swallowing food. “If you feel or see anything new, different or unusual, get it checked out by a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible,” adds Dr. Ogunleye. “Don’t wait until you’re in pain because many people don’t feel pain during the initial stages.” The American Cancer Society reports that the average age of people diagnosed with these cancers is 64 and that one in five cases occur in people younger than 55. Some risk factors to consider include smoking and alcohol use, genetic predisposition, nutrition, mouth/face injuries, oral hygiene and certain medical conditions/diseases. Located in Papillion, Neb., Premier Oral Surgery is a full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) practice led by Dr. Ogunleye. Dr. Ogunleye is an Ivy-League trained oral surgeon with a passion for helping his patients achieve their dental health goals. He is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the highest credential that can be obtained in the OMS specialty, according to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In addition, he is a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Ogunleye earned his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed his general practice residency through New York Medical College and St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center. He completed his OMS residency through Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Harlem Hospital. For more information, visit https://www.premieroms.com. The Head & Neck Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of oral, head and neck cancer. The foundation strives to produce measurable, progressive change through education, awareness, research, outreach and advocacy. For more information, visit https://www.mnofs.com/head-neck-cancer-foundation.

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