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An ounce of prevention

To the editor:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the fifth annual Free Oral Head and Neck screening a success. The annual event was held on April 19 in collaboration with UnityPoint Health Trinity Cancer Center and Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic.

A multidisciplinary group consisting of dental, dermatology, radiation oncology, family practices and hygiene students completed the 10-minute screenings. In the four-hour time frame, 113 screenings were completed with 13 identified as needing further evaluation. Positive feedback was received from the participants, students, and providers.

Oral head and neck cancers account for 3 percent of all cancer but it has a 50 percent mortality rate. We look forward to a continued partnership with Iowa Central Community College in offering free, annual screenings. A special thank you to all the providers who volunteered their time: Dr. Nick Drycimski, Dr. Carey Bligard, Dr. Janet Secor, Dr. Matt Maggio, Dr. Shane Hopkins, Dr. Leopoldo Delucca, Jacki Joule, the Dental Hygiene Clinic students and staff under the direction of Cindy Dewall and Trinity Cancer Center staff.

With sincere thanks.

Patty Grossnickle, RN

Nurse Coordinator

Trinity Cancer Center

Fort Dodge

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