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Free Oral, Head & Neck cancer screening is April 12

  • Category: News
  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Erin Bounds
The incidence of oral, head and neck cancers is on the rise … and their impact on those affected by them cannot be underestimated.

In recognition of April as Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month, King’s Daughters ear, nose and throat specialist Greg Baker, M.D., will be conducting a free screening for these cancers from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 in his office, Suite 420, Medical Plaza B, 613 23rd St., Ashland.

The screening consists of completing a questionnaire and a visual examination by the physician. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 1-888-377-KDMC.

About 50,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. While tobacco and alcohol use are use are major risk factors for developing oral cancer, the fastest growing segment of oral cancers are related to the HPV virus among young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals.

Signs and symptoms of these cancers may include:
  • Blood in the sputum
  • Voice changes
  • A mass or lump in the neck
  • A sore in the mouth that does not heal
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
  • A feeling that something is caught in the throat that doesn’t go away
  • Weight loss
  • Persistent bad breath