Free Head and Neck Cancer Screenings Coming in April

OMAHA – In the United States head and neck cancers account for about 3 percent of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2018 more than 100,000 people will develop head and neck cancers.

As with any cancer, early diagnosis is key.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center and Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center are hosting free oral head and neck cancer screenings April 3 and April 5, respectively, to potentially catch those cancers in their earliest stage.

“Screening events, like these, can be so beneficial to patients who may be noticing early symptoms of these types of cancers,” said Dr. Andrew Coughlin, Methodist head and neck surgical oncologist. “Being able to initially examine a patient and possibly identify cancer related issues, is a significant benefit. Anytime we can detect a cancer in its earliest stages is a win for everyone.”

The screenings are guided by fellowship-trained oncologists at Methodist, the area’s largest specialty practice for head and neck cancers.

Persons who should consider attending one of the free screenings are those who smoke, chew tobacco, drink alcohol, have a prior history of cancer in the head or neck region or have had multiple sexual partners.

Signs and symptoms which should not be ignored include a mouth sore that isn’t healing, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a change in voice or a painless lump in the neck.

“These signs and symptoms should always be taken seriously,” Dr. Coughlin said. “It’s far better to come and have our physician experts take a look than to ignore the symptoms.”

Screening appointments are limited and registration is required for both events. Details are as follows:

• Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center: Tuesday, April 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. call 712-396-7600 to schedule.
   
• Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center: Thursday, April 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. call 402-354-5850 to schedule. Free valet parking is available at the east entrance of Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, just south of Methodist Hospital on the 84^th and Dodge Street campus.
   

For more information visit bestcare.org/headandneck