Saint Francis Healthcare System will offer free head and neck cancer screenings on April 16 and April 18.

In the United States, six percent of newly diagnosed cancers involve the head and neck. More than 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers – tonsils, base of tongue, palate – are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and are seen more frequently in younger adults.

Early detection leads to better treatment options, but unfortunately 50 percent of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Cape ENT Group, a Saint Francis Healthcare System Medical Partner, is offering FREE head and neck cancer screenings on Tuesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 18, from 1-4:30 pm at
Cape ENT Group, located at Saint Francis Medical Center, Entrance 8, Suite 420.

Symptoms of head and neck cancers may include:
-Neck masses/lumps
-Jaw swelling
-Chronic sore areas
-Difficulty swallowing or chewing
-Ear pain
-Recurrent nosebleeds
-Dental pain
-Hoarseness
-Oral bleeding
-Difficulty breathing

To register for a FREE screening, call 573-335-4448.