Free Oral Cancer Screenings at Kern Oral & Facial Surgery

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Kern Oral & Facial Surgery will offer free oral cancer screenings April 13 and April 16 from 8 am to 5 pm. 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. To participate, arrive at the clinic during the designated days and times, and ask for a free cancer screening. The practice is located at 500 Old River Road, Suite #275, Bakersfield, Calif., 93311.

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.

“Oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90% when diagnosed early, according to the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation,” said Alan Esla, DDS, MD, of Kern Oral & Facial Surgery. “We recommend annual screenings for most patients because early detection can provide better options and outcomes.”

In addition to yearly screenings by a qualified health professional, Dr. Esla also recommends monthly self-exams using a bright light and mirror. “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,” added Dr. Esla.

Some common symptoms 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.

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.

Dr. Esla leads the care team at Kern Oral & Facial Surgery, which provides a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. Dr. Esla has been caring for patients in the Bakersfield community for more than 20 years. He is passionate about enhancing the lives and health of his patients through advanced oral surgery techniques, and he is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the highest credential that can be obtained in the specialty, according to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Esla earned his bachelor’s degree with honors from California State University, Northridge, and his DDS and MD from the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Esla completed a general surgery internship and an oral and maxillofacial residency through the UCLA Hospital. He is actively involved with a number of professional organizations, most notably serving as a general anesthesia examiner for the Dental Board of California and past president of the Kern County Dental Society. For more information, visit https://www.kernofs.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.