Dentistry does cancer screenings

Dr. Nagamani Narayana and student Andy Friesen screen Marge McMorran for cancer. Photo by Peggy Cain.

Thirty-seven people took advantage of a free screening for oral, head and neck cancer April 21st at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln.

Sophomore, junior and senior dental students — 27 in all — volunteered three hours of their time to provide screenings.

More than 40,000 Americans will develop oral, head or neck cancer this year, said Nagamani Narayana, DMD, assistant professor in the department of oral biology at the College of Dentistry.

Risk factors include smoking, chewing tobacco, consuming alcohol and past history of cancer in the region. Signs and symptoms include, a sore in the mouth that doesn’t go away, prolonged sore throat or trouble swallowing, hoarseness and an unexplained growth or swelling in the neck.

“Early detection can save lives,” Dr. Narayana said.