Early detection of oral, head and neck cancers can save the lives of thousands of Americans each year. Fifty thousand people will develop such cancers this year.
“When it’s diagnosed in its early stage, high cure rates are possible,” said Bill Lydiatt, M.D., professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at UNMC and surgical oncologist at The Nebraska Medical Center. “Treatment works best before the disease has spread.”
The Nebraska Medical Center is offering free oral, head and neck cancer screenings on Tuesday, April 22 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments for the screenings must be made in advance. Screening participants will have the opportunity to meet with physicians and learn important information about oral, head and neck cancer prevention and treatment.
Those most at risk for oral cancers are tobacco users; 90 percent of patients with oral cancer use tobacco in at least one form. Other risk factors include excessive alcohol use, a family history of cancer and large amounts of time spent in the sun.
Early signs of oral cancer include sores on the mouth, face or neck that do not heal within two weeks; swelling or lumps on the lips, gums or inside the mouth; thickening within the walls of the cheek; white, dark or red patches in the mouth; repeated and unusual bleeding in the mouth; and/or numbness or pain in any area of the face or mouth. A persistent sore throat, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing could also be signs of oral cancer.
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People wanting to take part in the screening can call 1-800-922-0000 to make an appointment. The screenings will take place in the Head & Neck Surgical Oncology Clinic, third floor, University Tower. Valet parking will be available at the main entrance to The Lied Transplant Center.