To the editor:

Just because you can’t feel it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Just ask more than 100,000 Americans who were diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck (including thyroid) last year. Unfortunately, many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these life threatening disease, which include cancer of the oral cavity, thyroid, larynx, pharynx, and by the time they are diagnosed, for some it’s too late.

Oral head and neck cancer claims 14,000 lives per year. However, there is hope if these cancers are diagnosed early; many of these cancers can be treated without significant complications.

How can you get screened locally? Trinity Cancer Center and Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic has partnered with local health providers to offer a free oral screening on Thursday, April 21 from 2 to 6 p.m. The screenings will take place at Iowa Central Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic at One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge. The screening is painless and only takes 10 minutes. Last year we screened 164 individuals and nine of those needed immediate follow-up appointments and 19 needed further evaluations.

Who should get tested? Every adult. Traditionally tobacco and alcohol users have been considered at greatest risk, however, oral cancer cases are on the rise in younger adults who do not smoke. And recent research indicates this is due partly to the increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Why should you get screened? If the above information is not enough, know that the screening is quick, painless and free and it is held in our community. Yes, you can have a free cancer screening.

Please take advantage of the opportunity to benefit from this preventive health measure at no charge. It takes 10 minutes to do something that could save your life. Remember: early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes. Please contact us at 574-1327 or at www.unitypoint.org/cancercare to sign up for your free oral screening today. We schedule specific times for each screening so that you can be screened quickly and leave when you are finished.

Carey Bligard, M.D.

UnityPoint Dermatology

Fort Dodge