In recognition of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Prisma Health offers free screening event

(Courtesy: Prisma Health)

(Courtesy: Prisma Health)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– In recognition of April as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Prisma Health will provide free head and neck cancer screening in the Midlands, said officials.

Hospital officials said the screenings will be offered on Friday, April 25, at 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, 1501 Sumter Street., Beaman Auditorium on the ground floor.

Registration is recommended but are not required as walk-ins are welcomed.

Visit https://PH-freeheadandneckcancersscreenings.eventbrite.com to register.

The event is sponsored by the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, and is a nationwide initiative that raises awareness, educates the community on the importance of early detection and screens as many community members as possible to help save lives.

The screening includes providing a brief medical history followed by oral and neck exams, according to officials.

Screenings which last approximately 10 minutes, check for cancers in these areas:

• Mouth
• Throat
• Voice box
• Sinuses
• Nasal cavity
• Salivary glands

In addition to regular screenings, it is helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms, said health officials.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance identifies some indicators as: 

• A red or white spot in your mouth that doesn’t heal or increases in size
• Sore throat or swollen tonsil
• Changes in your voice
• A lump in your neck
• Earache
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Unintentional weight loss

Mariangela Rivera, MD, a surgeon who specializes in head and neck cancer, said, “The types of cancer we will be looking for are readily accessible by screening. It is free, quick and painless. It’s non-invasive and it can catch cancer early.”