Free Cancer Screenings May 11 From OSU Medical Center

It is estimated that 49,260 new cases of oral cavity, throat and voice box cancers occurred in 2010, which accounts for about three percent of new cancer cases in the United States.

The week of May 8-14 is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. It is estimated that 49,260 new cases of oral cavity, throat and voice box cancers occurred in 2010, which accounts for about three percent of new cancer cases in the United States.

Susan Smith, D.O., is an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist at OSU Medical Center. Smith received fellowship training in endocrine/head and neck surgery at the Medical College of Georgia.

“Early detection and treatment are important keys to preventing cancers of the oral cavity, head and neck,” Smith explained.

“More people need to know the cause and symptoms of oral, head and neck cancer, because when found early, most cancers can be treated with few side effects. Cure rates for these cancers could be greatly improved if people would seek medical advice as soon as possible,” Smith said.

“Treatment of cancer depends on a number of factors, including the exact location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the person’s age and general health,” Smith explained.

The patient and the doctor should consider treatment options carefully. They should discuss each type of treatment and how it might change the way the patient looks, talks, eats, or breathes.

“It’s also important for the public to understand that as many as 90 percent of head and neck cancers arise after prolonged exposure to specific risk factors,” Smith said.

Use of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or snuff) and alcoholic beverages are the most common cause of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, and tongue. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.

In adults who do not smoke or drink, cancer of the throat can occur as a result of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Prolonged exposure to sunlight is linked with cancer of the lip and is also established as a major cause of skin cancer.

“Play it safe,” Smith suggests. “It’s best to see your doctor immediately if you detect warning signs of head and neck cancer.”

Practicing healthy habits like maintaining a healthy diet and receiving regular screenings can help prevent these diseases.

For more information, please call OSU Medical Center’s Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists at (918) 744-0228. Dr. Susan Smith partners in practice with Dr. Sammy Worrall and Dr. Mindi Bull. Their office is located at 4444 S. Harvard Ave., Suite 100 in Tulsa. For more about OSU Medical Center, see www.osumc.net. To find a physician, call (918) 599-4OSU.

OSU Medical Center will offer free oral cavity, head and neck cancer screenings on Wednesday, May 11 at the Surgicenter at 744 W. Ninth, just north of the hospital from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Call (918) 560-8055 to schedule your free screening. Walk-ins are ­welcomed.

For more information, contact

OSU Medical Center

(918) 599-1000

www.osumc.net