Free Screening for Head and Neck Cancer

From Komu.com

The free cancer screenings were a part of national Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. The screenings were a part of a walk-in clinic, so appointments were not necessary.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 50,000 Americans have some form of head or neck cancer. Ear, nose and throat doctor at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Jeff Jorgensen said 85% of of head and neck cancers are related to tobacco use.

“The bottom line is we are trying to get people to stop smoking. And stop using any tobacco products for that matter,” Jorgensen said.

Norman Larson was one of the 150 people who attended the screening.  He was a smoker during his young adult life, but was not concerned that he had cancer. He came to the screening because he was in Columbia visiting his mother.