About Us
The Detroit Oral Cancer Prevention Project aims to decrease deaths caused by oral cancer among Detroiters, by:
- Increasing community awareness of oral cancer,
- Increasing the number of Detroiters screened for oral cancer, &
- Increasing the proportion of oral cancers detected earlier
How?
We are taking a multi-faceted approach to saving lives from this disease, through:
- Community Education Campaign
Community-based health educators are visiting hundreds of community-based organizations and churches in the city, to increase awareness of oral cancer, and encourage Detroiters to get screened. - Media Campaign
We are using billboards around the city, as well as radio and newspaper ads, to spread the word. - Toll-Free Information Line (1-877-7-CHECKED)
Anyone can call the toll free number, 1-877-7-CHECKED (1-877-724-3253), operated by the Neighborhood Service organization, to request information about oral cancer, or to schedule a free screening. - Free Oral Cancer Screening
The Detroit Oral Cancer Prevention Project is offering free & painless oral cancer screenings. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-7-CHECKED (1-877-724-3253). It could save your life. - Provider Education
Continuing education courses will be offered for dental and medical professionals, to help providers recognize the signs of oral cancer and catch it- before it’s too late.
Why Detroit?
- African Americans in Detroit have one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the country.
- 46% of all deaths related to oral cancer in Michigan are clustered in Detroit/Wayne County
- According to a recent study, Wayne County had a mortality rate that was higher than the total Michigan mortality rate
- African American males have the highest mortality rate due to oral cancer among all race and gender groups.
Sponsored by:
NIDCR/NIH Grant No. R13 DE016786-01
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Delta Dental Fund
Partnerships with:
Neighborhood Service Organization
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
