Free Head and Neck Screening Offered by Salem Cancer Institute

(Salem, Oregon) - To promote awareness, regular exams and the importance of early detection, Salem Cancer Institute at Salem Hospital is offering a free head and neck cancer screening to the community on Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

No appointment is necessary. Screenings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Just arrive at the first floor of Building C on the Salem Hospital Campus during free screening hours. The screening is quick and painless, and includes a personalized evaluation of risk factors, a careful examination of the neck, throat and mouth for signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, and an opportunity to ask questions and learn how you can reduce your risk.

According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco and alcohol use are the most common risk factors for head and neck cancers. However, other factors such as genetics, poor dental hygiene or exposure to certain viruses may also present risks. Symptoms may include a lump or sore in the mouth that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, or a change or hoarseness in the voice. Head and neck cancers account for approximately 3 to 5 percent of all cancers in the United States.

Salem Cancer Institute, which is affiliated with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, is a part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's mid-Willamette Valley.

For more information, call Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321.

News Release from: Salem Health