Vanderbilt will hold a free head and neck cancer screening day, Friday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Odess Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, 7209 Medical Center East, South Tower.
The Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences is located at 1215 21st Ave. S. and parking is available in the East Garage.
The annual screening and education event, held in partnership with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), is designed to provide free exams and educational material to individuals who want more information about this form of cancer. No appointments are necessary.
Every year, nearly 80,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. These cancers may occur in the nasal cavity, sinuses, throat, lips, mouth, thyroid, salivary glands or larynx (voice box).
Early detection can improve survival and it is important for patients to know more about their risk factors for this disease.
During the exam, physicians inspect the mouth and throat and palpate the neck to search for abnormalities in the thyroid, lymph nodes or salivary glands. In addition to the exams, patients can talk with medical professionals about head and neck cancer prevention, therapy, research and rehabilitation.
For more information, contact Michelle Pham at 936-4896.
