Free head and neck cancer screenings offered by Reid Health

Your health is important. That’s why Reid Health Rehabilitation Services, Reid ENT & Hearing Center, and Reid Oncology Associates are offering free head and neck cancer screenings held:

• April 22: 1–5 p.m. at the new Reid Health Connersville location, second flood, 2500 Park Road
• April 23: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at Reid Health Richmond in Lingle Grand Hall, 1100 Reid Parkway

The screening is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Participants should arrive five minutes before their appointment. Avoid eating for 30 minutes prior to the screening to allow for a clearer view of the oral cavity.

To reserve a screening, visit https://reidhealth.jotform.com/260814701229958. Walk-ins are welcome but might need to wait for an available provider. Registration is encouraged to reduce wait time.

Head and neck cancer affects the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, salivary glands, and voice box. More than 72,000 Americans were diagnosed with these cancers last year, and nearly 13,000 die annually.

Early detection saves lives. When diagnosed early, head and neck cancers can often be treated more easily, usually without significant complications and with improved survival rates.

However, many people don’t recognize the symptoms of these potentially life-threatening diseases, which include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx.

Screenings can provide reassurance and help detect cancer early, when treatment is often most effective.

Adults at high-risk are adults, especially age 50 and older with higher rates among men, should consider a head and neck screening to help protect their health and peace of mind.

Tobacco and alcohol use significantly increase risk. However, oral cancers are also rising among younger nonsmokers because of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact, HPV can cause oropharyngeal cancer, which is difficult to detect because it often develops at the back of the tongue or on the tonsils.

Regular screenings are key to early diagnosis.

Visible signs that require medical attention include:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Voice changes or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
• Growths, sores, or red or white patches in the mouth
• Problems moving the tongue, chewing, swallowing, speaking or opening the mouth fully
• A sore throat that does not improve
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent ear pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing up blood

These signs and symptoms might be related to conditions other than cancer. Anyone experiencing these symptoms — especially for more than two weeks — should see a medical provider or dentist. Individuals with these warning signs should not wait for a screening and should promptly seek medical attention.

Get the answers and information about your health you need with a free head and neck screening.

For more information, call (765) 983-3092. To register for the head and neck screening, visit https://reidhealth.jotform.com/260814701229958.