Karmanos Cancer Center Offers Free Oral, Head & Neck Cancer Screenings, April 16

Ten Minutes of Preventative Cancer Screening that can Save Lives

DETROIT, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Friday, April 16, from 2 - 5 p.m., the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit will be conducting free oral, head and neck cancer screenings in conjunction with National Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (April 12 – 18.)  Some of the symptoms of oral cancer go unnoticed. A simple 10-minute screening exam can determine if there are problems and can help diagnose this disease in its early stage.  

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Some of the warning signs of oral cancers include:

• Red or white patches in the mouth that last more than two weeks
• Change in voice or hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks
• Sore throat that does not subside
• Pain or swelling in the mouth or neck that does not subside
• Lump in the neck
• Ear pain
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Difficulty breathing

According to the American Cancer Society, there were more than 40,000 Americans who were diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck last year alone and approximately 7,600 died from the disease. If diagnosed early, oral, head and neck cancers can be more easily treated and the chances of survival increase greatly.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan's most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.  

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute