Milwaukee, WI (April 17, 2009) – A sneaky cancer that can steal everyday things people take for granted, like enjoying a nice meal or talking with friends, head and neck cancer affects about 45,000 people in the United States every year.

To spread awareness of the disease and encourage people to get screened, Froedtert & The Medical College will provide free screenings and information at a special event on Tuesday, April 28, from 4-8 pm at the Clinical Cancer Center. Screenings, which are quick and painless, will be conducted between 4-6 pm. Registration is required for screening; call (414) 805-3666.

“With today’s difficult economy, people may skip their regular visits to dentists and primary care doctors, who often notice these early symptoms. That’s why we’re offering this free screening,” said Bruce Campbell, MD, head and neck cancer specialist at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center. “It’s highly curable if found early, but symptoms usually don’t appear until the cancer is advanced. That’s why getting checked is so important.”

The event also will feature Stage 4 tongue cancer survivor and Waukesha resident Jay Walt, who will talk about his experience with the disease, and Dr. Campbell, the physician who diagnosed Jay’s cancer.

Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, throat, neck, vocal cords, sinuses, tonsils and salivary glands. “Unexplained changes such as a lump or bump in the tongue, neck or lip, or changes in swallowing, speech or breathing can be signs of cancer,” Dr. Campbell said. “Anyone, young or old, smoker or non-smoker, can get this disease.”

The Froedtert & The Medical College Clinical Cancer Center is located immediately south of the Froedtert East Clinics, on Doyne Avenue between N. 87th and N. 92nd Streets. Free parking is available in the Clinical Cancer Center parking structure.

Author: Kathy Sieja

Last Review Date: April 17, 2009