Holzer to Host Free Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Screening April 13
In 2024, it is estimated that there will be more than 650,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer diagnosed worldwide, and unfortunately, many individuals will not be aware of their cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Oral, head and neck cancer is ranked in the top six cancers worldwide.
The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) and Holzer Health System are urging individuals to get screened for oral, head and neck cancer during our free oral, head and neck cancer screening on Saturday, April 13 at Holzer Center for Cancer Care from 9am to 12noon.
April is recognized as Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, where screenings are encouraged to create awareness and help share information on these types of cancers.
“Holzer urges our community members to participate in our free head and neck screening. Individuals will receive a thorough exam and learn the symptoms of head and neck cancer, which include a lump or a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, it’s important to get screened right away,” said Shane Maliszewski, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CMPE, Director, Holzer Center for Cancer Care. “For our community members who are tobacco users or who have a higher risk of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) due to having multiple oral sex partners, we strongly urge each individual to get screened as both are strong risk factors for oral, head and neck cancer.”
This free screening aims to catch cancers that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box) at an early and treatable stage. Individuals will receive a thorough exam and learn more of the symptoms of head and neck cancers. The screening is painless and takes about 15 minutes. Appointments are welcome and walk-ins will be accepted. For more information or to make an appointment, call (740) 441-3572.
About Oral, Head and Neck Cancers
Oral, head and neck cancer may affect any part of the oral cavity (mouth), pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), sinuses, nasal cavity, or salivary glands. Regular check-ups can detect the early stages of oral, head and neck cancer or conditions that may lead to it. For those cancers caught at a later stage, treatment is available and may require various combinations of surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. More information regarding the symptoms and risk factors associated with oral, head and neck cancer can be found at www.headandneck.org.
