SIH Cancer Institute to offer free head, neck cancer screenings

April 19 event held during the 16th Annual Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week

(CARBONDALE, IL) The SIH Cancer Institute will offer free screenings for head and neck cancers on Friday, April 19, 2013, at the Center for Medical Arts in Carbondale.

Oral, head and neck cancers account for about three to six-percent of all new cancer diagnoses each year, according to Paul Schalch, M.D., an ear, nose and throat specialist. Dr. Schalch and colleague, Dr. David Hohuan, will conduct the free screenings. Both specialists are members of the SIH Cancer Institute’s treatment planning team for all head and neck cancers.

Dr. Schalch says individuals who smoke and/or drink alcohol regularly, chew tobacco, have difficulty swallowing, a nagging earache or voice changes such as hoarseness are appropriate candidates for the free screening. Other suspicious symptoms include sores or tender spots in the mouth that do not heal, lip lesions, problems with teeth or dentures or a persistent lump on the neck.

Smoking is a leading indicator.

“Smoking increases the risk of cancer in the oral cavity or throat by about 15-fold,” said Dr. Schalch.

Another new risk factor is Human Papilloma Virus infection (specifically with HPV 16), a growing trend in younger patients who do not necessarily have the link between alcohol consumption and smoking, Dr. Schalch added.

Additional risk factors include industrial exposures to wood, dust, nickel and formaldehyde, among others.

“To this date, almost 50% of the cancers we diagnose are at the advanced stage. We hope to decrease this by offering more means for awareness and early detection. The earlier the stage, the better the prognosis, the easier the treatment and the less likelihood of radical surgery,” Dr. Schalch said. “This screening is quick, easy, non-invasive and it’s free.”

The free screenings locally coincide with the 16^th annual national Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.

Individuals may reserve an appointment by calling the SIH Call Center at (866) 744-2468.