Community oral cancer screening slated
The Uniontown Hospital will offer a free oral cancer screening to the community from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday in the health services area located on Level B (G1). During the screening, a physician will examine the lips and oral cavity for lesions, which may develop into oral cancer. Blood pressure and pulse measurements will also be taken by registered nurses.
Participant’s personal risk factors for oral cancer will be evaluated, and educational information will be will be provided by the American Cancer Society.
Physicians, who will conduct the examinations and assess personal risk factors for the screening, are Richard F. Debo, M.D., Thomas M. Rhee, M.D., C. Malcolm Stone, DMD, and Lawrence Vignali, DMD.
“It is important to find oral cancer early, before it has time to spread,” Debo said. “Assessing one’s risks and screening are key to early detection and survival. The survival rate is much better for those whose cancer is detected and treated early.”
According to the National Oral Health Clearinghouse, the following represent possible signs and symptoms of oral cancer:
– A white or red path in the mouth
– A sore, irritation, lump or thickening in the mouth
– Hoarseness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
– Difficulty chewing or swallowing
– Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
– Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
– Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
A person need not have symptoms of oral cancer to participate in the free Oral Cancer Screening.
“People, who have no symptoms of oral cancer but are considered high-risk, are encouraged to participate in this screening,” Debo said. “This includes people who currently use tobacco products, have a tobacco use, drink alcohol, have a history of alcoholism or are above the age of 18.”
Judi Forman, BSN, education specialist, chairs the 2002 Oral Cancer Screening. Anita M. Hrutkay, BSN, director of Fayette HealthLine/Telecommunications/Community Screenings, is responsible for the coordination of all community screenings.
This is yet another free screening that the Uniontown Hospital is providing as a community service to the people of this region. Other free programs include the Healthy Heart “cholesterol,” prostate and skin screenings.
“We are committed to providing the people of this community with free health assessments and plan to continue to offer screenings as a service to the community,” said Paul Bacharach, president and chief executive officer (CEO). “It is important to note that these screenings are only made possible through our dedicated medical staff who volunteer their valuable time and clinical knowledge to individually assess the health risks of members of the community.”
Free parking and refreshments will be available for those participating in the 2002 Oral Cancer Screening. For more information or to register for the screening, contact the Fayette HealthLine at 724-430-3333 by today. Registration is required for this free screening.