UTHealth Otorhinolaryngology Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Free Screening Clinic

The UTHealth Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery will offer free cancer screenings in observance of the 19th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW) on Friday, April 15, 12-3 p.m. 

Oral, head, and neck cancers claim approximately 13,000 lives per year. However, there is hope; if diagnosed early, these cancers can be more easily treated without significant complications, and the chances of survival greatly increase. 

The screening is painless and only takes about 10 minutes.  If you’ll be out-of-town on those dates, free screenings will be offered at more than 300 participating institutions worldwide as part of this national screen program.  

Every adult should get tested. 

Potential warning signs of oral, head and neck cancers: 

The signs and symptoms of oral, head & neck cancer often go unnoticed. However, there are a few visible signs associated with these cancers that require immediate attention, including:

• A lump in your neck
• A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size
• Persistent pain in your mouth
• Lumps or white or red patches inside your mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing or moving your tongue
• Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat
• Changes in your voice

If you have any of the above warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Seek medical attention immediately.