Tobacco and alcohol users and those who are sexually active are especially encouraged to get a free head and neck cancer screening.
Reid Health’s Rehabilitation Services, ENT and Oncology Associates are offering what they describe as approximately 10-minute painless screenings.
The exams are offered to walk-ins from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, in Lingle Grand Hall, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond.
Head and neck cancer affects the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, salivary glands and voice box. Men and adults older than 50 are at higher risk.
Tobacco and alcohol users are at the highest risk, but oral cancers are rising among young non-smokers because of the human papillomavirus.
Spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact, HPV can cause oropharyngeal cancer, which is difficult to detect as it often develops at the back of the tongue or on the tonsils. Regular screenings are key for early diagnosis.
More than 110,000 Americans were diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck last year. Unfortunately, many don’t recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases.
A few visible signs that require immediate attention, including: A lump or swelling in the neck; voice changes or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks; growths, sores or red/white patches in the mouth; difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing; persistent ear pain; unexplained weight loss; and bringing up blood.
Those who have any of these warning signs shouldn’t wait for free screenings. They need to seek medical attention immediately.
For more information, call 765-983-3092 or visit reidhealth.org/screenings.
Updated April 9, 2025 at 8:20 p.m. to note that the originally scheduled screening date of April 10 has been rescheduled to May 28.