As a part of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, specialists in the UI Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery will offer free screenings for oral, head, and neck cancer from 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, April 25, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Fifty thousand 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.

Appointments are required. Call 319-356-1744 for an appointment or for more information.