Cuba Exhibits Important Achievements in the Prevention of Mouth Cancer

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 6 (acn) The National Program on the Prevention and Control of Mouth Cancer of the Ministry of Public Health has placed Cuba among the first nations in the world with high rates of curable malignant tumors placing the island in 10th place.

Specialists from the Oncology and Radiobiology Institute esplained the advances of the program created by Dr. Julio Cesar Santana Garay, Professor and Researcher of Havana's University of Medicine born in Camaguey on December 5th, 1927.

Installed since 1982, the program has contributed to the reduction of over 10 percent of the mortality of lip, gum, mouth and tongue cáncer, said Santana.

Recognized by the World Health Organization, WHO and only of its type in the world, includes the promotion and prevention from the Primary health attention in the country, said the specialist who since 1960 has stood out for the fight in the prevention of mouth cancer and the premature diagnosis in Cuba and other countries in Latin America.

Latin American Day against Mouth Cancer was instituted on December 5th 2009 on ocassion of the birth of Santana Garay for his relevent contribution fo the field in the región.

The renowned Cuban dentist is highlighted for his life work in education, research and promoting the conscieousness of professionals in Latin America and the world regarding the prevention and premature diagnosis. He is also athor of several books among them the Prevention and Diagnosis of Mouth Cancer.

The eminent Cuban scientist recommended that if mouth wounds are detected less a centimeter in size in an early stage, this malignant illness is highly curable.

He warned that the White, red and ulcer spots among other injuries are potential indicators of a probable appearance of mouth cáncer and in the majority of the cases they are a result of smoking and alchol consumption.

Santana Garay, Maxillofacial specialist and Professor and Consultant at the School of Dentistryh of the School of Medicine in Havana is not only highlighted for his history in research and also his revolutionary work.

The specialist has different recognitions and awards like the Victoria de Playa Giron, Manuel Fajardo, Jose Tey, Founder of the National Revolutionary Police, 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Frank Pais Order and the Carlos J. Finlay Medals among others.