As a part of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, specialists in the University of Iowa Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, will offer free screenings for oral, head and neck cancer from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, April 29, at UI Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

An estimated 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year, and 12,000 will die from the disease.

Risk factors for head and neck cancer include smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, and a previous diagnosis of cancer in the head and neck region. Symptoms of head and neck cancer include persistent sores in the mouth or throat, difficulty in swallowing, a change in the voice and a growth or swelling in the neck.

There’s no charge for the screening, which is painless and takes about 15 minutes.

Walk-ins can be accommodated, but making an appointment is strongly recommended. Call 319-356-1744 for an appointment or for more information.