A new study suggests that lowering the dose of radiation therapy for some head and neck cancer patients may improve outcomes and cause fewer long-term side effects.

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and the Vanderbilt Department of Otolaryngology will hold the annual head and neck cancer screening event Friday, April 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The screenings are free, open to the public and require no appointment.

Medical professionals in the Department of Otolaryngology will provide free head and neck cancer screenings, Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Craft Brewed, a local craft brew and home supply store, 2502 Franklin Pike.

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.

James Netterville, M.D., professor of Otolaryngology and director of the Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Service, has been elected president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and its foundation for the 2012-13 term. He assumed his position in September during the annual meeting in Washington, D.C.