ENTA announces availability of first non-invasive oral cancer prevention test

ENT and Allergy AssociatesJun 2 2012

Oral cancer is one of the few cancers still on the rise, claiming the lives of as many Americans as melanoma and has shown a recent increase in young, non-smokers. The important news is that oral cancer can now be prevented. In recognition of Cancer Survivors Month this June, ENT and Allergy Associates, LLP (ENTA), the largest ear, nose, throat, allergy and audiology practice in the tri-state area, is raising public awareness of the increased prevalence of oral cancer among unsuspected groups by reminding patients of the importance of self-examinations, as well as the availability of the OralCDx BrushTest®, the first and only non-invasive oral cancer prevention test.

"It's a fact: oral cancer can be prevented, but it does require individuals to get in the habit of performing a simple self-examination," says Aylon Y. Glaser, MD of the ENTA office in Hoboken, NJ. "During Cancer Survivors Month, we want to increase our efforts in educating the public about the prevalence of oral cancer, since there has been nearly a five-fold increase of oral cancer in patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors. Why risk getting the disease when you can actually prevent it?"

Nearly every oral cancer starts as a very small white or red spot -- typically the size of a sesame seed. Although the majority of small spots in the mouth are benign and are caused by everyday trauma, such as cheek-biting, or a pizza burn some are pre-cancerous. To determine if a spot contains precancerous cells, an ear, nose and throat specialist can perform the OralCDx BrushTest®, which is a covered benefit under virtually all medical insurance.

"We urge everyone to check their mouths and meet with their ENT physician if they see or feel something unusual," continues Dr. Glaser. "The OralCDx BrushTest is the next definitive step."