Good Samaritan and the Knox County Health Department Collaborate to Host Head and Neck Cancer Screening Event

Good Samaritan and the Knox County Health Department are proud to announce a collaborative effort to host a Head and Neck Cancer Screening Event. “This community health initiative seeks to raise awareness about the early detection and prevention of head and neck cancers,” stated Jane Russell, Good Samaritan Director of Oncology Services. “High-risk factors include tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco, alcohol consumption, exposure to HPV, and the presence of persistent neck masses or pain in the mouth or throat.”

Head and neck cancers can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, and early detection is paramount to improving treatment outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, recognizing symptoms and taking swift action can lead to more effective treatment.

The event will take place on November 15, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Knox County Health Department in the Bierhaus Center, located at 328 N. Second Street, Suite 100, Vincennes, IN. To register for the event please call (812) 886-6565.

Some early signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer include:

1. A red or white spot in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size
2. Sore throat or swollen tonsils
3. Changes in your voice
4. A lump in your neck
5. Earache
6. Difficulty swallowing

The Head and Neck Cancer Screening Event will provide a comprehensive examination by Sarah B. Jacob, MD. Attendees will receive detailed information on their health status and guidance on any necessary follow-up steps. Early detection is crucial in improving the prognosis for these cancers.

In conjunction with the screenings, an informative session on tobacco cessation will be held to assist individuals in understanding the dangers of tobacco use and to provide support for quitting. Smoking and smokeless tobacco are significant contributors to the development of head and neck cancers.