Return to Main Menu

Oral, head, neck cancer screenings set for April 15 Legendary college football coach, Lou Holtz, whose wife Beth survived a battle with throat cancer, is urging at-risk Americans—especially parents—to get screened for cancer during Oral and Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW), April 11-17, which is highlighted by a nationwide day of free screenings. MUSC will be offering free screenings at multiple sites on Friday, April 15.     The screenings will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., University ENT Associates, Mount Pleasant; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., first floor, Hollings Cancer Center; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., second floor, Rutledge Tower; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Room 119, College of Dental Medicine, Basic Science Building.        “Early detection of oral, head and neck cancers saves lives, so parents—do right—get screened for your kids,” said Holtz, who is also the father of four. “As with every serious obstacle in life or athletics, you have to tackle problems early. We were very lucky that Beth recovered and is still enjoying daily life with our family.”        Recently retired from University of South Carolina football after six years, Holtz enjoyed an illustrious, 33-year career as a head coach of six NCAA Division I-A football teams during which he earned three National Coach of the Year awards and other accomplishments.       OHANCAW is sponsored by the Yul Brynner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation (YBF). According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 65,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancers of the oral, head and neck region in 2005, and more than 12,500 will die.        Results from a new survey released by YBF indicate that 62 percent of U.S. children, whose parents have ever been tobacco users, are worried that their parents may develop a serious illness. Of those worried, 70 percent say that it’s extremely or very important that their parents get checked by a doctor.        “Looking for oral, head and neck cancer is critical, especially for those who have habits that put them at risk, such as smoking, chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption,” said Terry Day, M.D., president of the YBF, associate professor, Department of Otolaryngology —Head & Neck Surgery, and director, Division of Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery, Hollings Cancer Center.  “Oral, head and neck cancer can be best treated when caught in its early stages, giving patients a great chance for a cure and a high quality of life after treatment.”        The YBF is dedicated to providing support to head and neck cancer patients throughout the year, educating children and adults in the prevention of head and neck cancer, supporting ongoing research in head and neck oncology, and assisting those interested in sponsoring a free screening in communities nationwide by providing templates to facilitate this effort.      “South Carolina has expanded its efforts to prevent, detect and treat oral and other head and neck cancers during recent years but we still lag far behind other states in cure rates and disparities,” Day said. “This is evidenced by the Cancer Report Card recently published by the S.C. Cancer Alliance.  I am confident that most physicians and dentists understand that early tongue cancers present with a red or white patch that does not go away in two weeks. It is my hope that our state will have many more than five Oral and Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week activities (and free screenings for the public) in 2006.” About OHNC  Oral and head and neck cancer (OHNC) refers to a variety of cancers that develop in the head and neck region, such as the oral cavity (mouth); the pharynx (throat); paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity (nose); the larynx (voice box); thyroid and salivary glands; the skin of the face and neck; and the lymph nodes in the neck.  Americans don’t readily recognize the common warning signs of OHNC, which are: Red or white patch in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks Change in voice or hoarseness that lasts more than two weeks Sore throat that does not subside Pain or swelling in the mouth or neck that does not subside Lump in the neck Other warning signs that occur during later stages of the disease include: Ear pain Numbness  Difficulty breathing, swallowing and eating Treatment of OHNC varies depending upon the extent of disease at the initial diagnosis. Most patients are managed with surgery, but radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may also be utilized. After undergoing radiation, some patients may develop a complication called xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is caused by damage to their salivary glands. Xerostomia, a common side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, can affect one’s ability to taste, swallow and even speak, and be life-long in duration.  Beth Holtz, who underwent 83 rounds of radiation treatment for throat cancer, still lives with the effects of xerostomia and carries a water bottle around with her wherever she goes to aid swallowing and ease her discomfort.       Surgery can leave patients with scarring and disfigurement of the face and neck, as well as alterations in speech, sight, smell, chewing, swallowing and taste perception. Recent advances in reconstructive surgery have minimized some of these problems. The most effective prevention strategy remains the cessation of risky behaviors such as smoking, use of chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.     About the Survey  Commissioned by YBF and conducted by Harris Interactive, survey results reveal that nearly two in three children (64 percent) have a parent who has smoked or used chewing tobacco (and thus is at risk for oral, head and neck cancers). Of the more than 1,200 U.S. youths ages 8-18 polled: More than eight in 10 (84 percent) know that smoking or chewing tobacco can cause head and neck (mouth and throat) cancers. Sixty two percent of children whose parents have ever smoked or used chewing tobacco worry to some extent that their parents may develop a serious illness because of this history. Children whose parents have ever smoked or used chewing tobacco are 50 percent more likely to frequently worry about their parents’ health than those children whose parents never smoked (25 percent v. 17 percent). Nearly all young people whose parents are currently smoking or using chewing tobacco want them to stop (96 percent). To schedule an appointment, call 792-1414. Walk-ins are welcome at all locations. For information about YBF, visit http://www.headandneck.org.      Friday, April 8, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.