National Oral Cancer Month: Early Detection Saves Lives

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month – an opportunity to raise awareness about the serious and deadly effects of this cancer. Nearly 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. 

Survivors like Steve Westphal understand the significance of early detection and prevention. In 2018, Steve was diagnosed with oral cancer, which marked the beginning of a long journey toward recovery. Following several surgeries, months spent in and out of the hospital, radiation treatments, and even a brief placement in hospice care, Steve was able to return home in 2020 and was declared cleared with no evidence of disease (NED).

Steve’s resilience inspired him to join Right Scan Right Time in advocating for proper reimbursement policies for AI-driven cancer imaging technologies. Thanks to advocacy from Steve and others, lawmakers recently introduced the Health Tech Investment Act (HTIA), which would ensure a stable payment pathway for AI-enabled medical devices. These devices can help physicians detect oral and other types of cancer at earlier, more preventable stages.   

We encourage you to learn more about your screening options and join Steve in taking action to advance the Health Tech Investment Act.