Free Oral Cancer Screening Combines Education and Prevention: May 11

Madison, Wisconsin – For the fifth year in a row, the UW Carbone Cancer Center Heads Up! Head & Neck Cancer Support and Survivorship Group is hosting a free oral cancer screening.

Peggy Wiederholt, RN, helps facilitate the group and spoke about the free oral screening event on Wednesday, May 11.

Free Oral Screening: May 11

Free oral cancer screening, Wednesday, May 11, from 10am - 1pm in the ENT Clinic, G3/2 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Atrium, 600 Highland Ave. in Madison.

When did the Heads Up! group decide to host a free screening?

In 2007, our Heads Up! Head & Neck Cancer Support and Survivorship Group was looking to raise awareness about head and neck cancer to coincide with the annual, national Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in the spring. An oral cancer screening was suggested and the group liked this idea.

The event has been successful because of the dedication of our professional staff and the efforts of our support group members and lay volunteers.

Although we only had nine participants the first year, the number has steadily grown each year. Last year, we screened 172 people in just three hours. This year we hope for our biggest turnout yet.

What can people expect when they walk in on May 11 for the screening?

Physicians from UW Health's Otolaryngology and Radiation Oncology programs perform the oral screenings, in addition to one physician assistant with a specialty in head and neck cancer.

The screeners review a screening form, look in the mouth for any abnormalities, and feel the neck for any lumps that might be suspicious. The screening itself takes about 5-10 minutes. The waiting time to be screened depends upon the number of people who come at any given time, but most people will be in and out within about 20 to 30 minutes.

How should people follow up if something abnormal shows up in the screening?

Participants are told who they should follow-up with depending upon the findings. It may be their PCP, dentist, or an otolaryngologist. Those with abnormal findings are also asked if they wish to participate in a research study that allows us to follow-up with them to document if the abnormality identified confirms a cancer diagnosis.