Tech Doc: Health self-checks should include oral cancer checks Joehassin Cordero During the COVID-19 pandemic, staying on top of your and your family’s health has been a top priority. Unfortunately, other non-COVID-19 health issues may have taken a back seat and ignored. If you have not been taking care of your overall health now is the time to do so. Most people have been educated to do self-checks for breast or testicular cancer. But April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors want to ask, “How is your oral health?” Oral and oropharyngeal cancer, or cancer of the mouth, collectively affect one person every hour of every day of the year. Of those affected, 40% percent will not survive past five years. A significant portion of those who survive will suffer from long-term issues, including difficulties eating and speaking as well as disfigurement. This is why monthly self-checks are key when it comes to oral cancer.